1 00:00:00,641 --> 00:00:03,391 (soothing music) 2 00:00:06,150 --> 00:00:08,730 [Narrator] If a person is no longer able to swallow, 3 00:00:08,730 --> 00:00:11,220 some medications can be absorbed into the bloodstream 4 00:00:11,220 --> 00:00:13,770 by spraying them into the nostrils. 5 00:00:13,770 --> 00:00:16,080 This can be an easy and fast-acting alternative 6 00:00:16,080 --> 00:00:17,193 to oral medication. 7 00:00:18,240 --> 00:00:19,860 The supplies you'll need are 8 00:00:19,860 --> 00:00:22,350 the syringe of pre-drawn medication, 9 00:00:22,350 --> 00:00:25,440 usually provided by the visiting nurse or pharmacist, 10 00:00:25,440 --> 00:00:27,240 and the special atomizer that attaches 11 00:00:27,240 --> 00:00:28,540 to the end of the syringe. 12 00:00:29,610 --> 00:00:32,250 The atomizer is called the MAD device, 13 00:00:32,250 --> 00:00:35,133 which stands for Mucosal Atomization Device. 14 00:00:36,210 --> 00:00:37,920 As when giving any medication, 15 00:00:37,920 --> 00:00:40,650 it's important to wash your hands first. 16 00:00:40,650 --> 00:00:43,260 If the person taking the medication has nasal congestion 17 00:00:43,260 --> 00:00:46,620 or secretions, ask them to blow and clear their nose 18 00:00:46,620 --> 00:00:49,170 so the medication can be better absorbed. 19 00:00:49,170 --> 00:00:50,610 Check the label on the syringe 20 00:00:50,610 --> 00:00:52,800 to ensure you're giving the right medication 21 00:00:52,800 --> 00:00:55,500 at the right dose and at the right time 22 00:00:55,500 --> 00:00:58,260 as prescribed by the healthcare provider. 23 00:00:58,260 --> 00:01:00,900 Attach the atomizer to the syringe. 24 00:01:00,900 --> 00:01:02,940 Tilt the patient's head back slightly 25 00:01:02,940 --> 00:01:04,173 or have them lie flat. 26 00:01:05,580 --> 00:01:07,920 Place the tip of the atomizer into a nostril 27 00:01:07,920 --> 00:01:09,520 and quickly depress the plunger. 28 00:01:10,380 --> 00:01:12,390 This will spray the medication into the nostril 29 00:01:12,390 --> 00:01:14,700 where it can be absorbed through the inner nasal surface 30 00:01:14,700 --> 00:01:15,963 and into the bloodstream. 31 00:01:16,920 --> 00:01:19,200 Remind the person not to pinch their other nostril 32 00:01:19,200 --> 00:01:21,850 and not to inhale when the medication is being given. 33 00:01:23,580 --> 00:01:25,140 Once you've given the medication, 34 00:01:25,140 --> 00:01:27,938 use the syringe to flush the atomizer with running water 35 00:01:27,938 --> 00:01:29,790 and dry it by drawing up air 36 00:01:29,790 --> 00:01:32,940 and blowing out the atomizer a couple of times. 37 00:01:32,940 --> 00:01:35,790 Then discard the syringe in the special sharps container. 38 00:01:36,660 --> 00:01:39,783 Lay the atomizer in a safe, dry place until the next use. 39 00:01:40,620 --> 00:01:43,923 This atomizer can be reused repeatedly for the same person. 40 00:01:45,240 --> 00:01:49,050 Finally, wash your hands and document the medication 41 00:01:49,050 --> 00:01:51,633 and when it was given in your medication record. 42 00:01:52,991 --> 00:01:55,741 (soothing music)