NURS 3100 Exam 1 Practice

What should the nurse do when preparing to administer a buccal medication?

1. Apply the medication to clean, dry skin

2. Instruct the patient to swallow the medication

3. Place the medication between the cheek and gum

4. Insert the medication under the tongue

The correct answer is: Place the medication between the cheek and gum

A and B are incorrect because they involve applying the medication somewhere other than the buccal cavity. Buccal medications are meant to be placed between the cheek and gum for absorption. D is incorrect because it refers to sublingual administration, which is under the tongue, not between the cheek and gum. The buccal cavity has a rich blood supply, so administering the medication here allows for quick absorption into the bloodstream.