1 00:00:00,289 --> 00:00:02,872 (gentle music) 2 00:00:06,030 --> 00:00:07,200 [Narrator] If a person is having trouble 3 00:00:07,200 --> 00:00:08,940 swallowing medication, 4 00:00:08,940 --> 00:00:10,890 a concentrated liquid form can sometimes 5 00:00:10,890 --> 00:00:12,360 be placed under their tongue 6 00:00:12,360 --> 00:00:14,670 or in the pocket of their cheek. 7 00:00:14,670 --> 00:00:17,020 From there, it's absorbed into the bloodstream. 8 00:00:18,570 --> 00:00:20,250 As we're giving any medication, 9 00:00:20,250 --> 00:00:22,200 it's important to wash your hands first 10 00:00:23,430 --> 00:00:26,670 and then ensure the inside of the mouth is clean and moist. 11 00:00:26,670 --> 00:00:29,250 If it isn't, it's important to provide mouth care 12 00:00:29,250 --> 00:00:31,320 before giving the medication. 13 00:00:31,320 --> 00:00:33,480 See the "Helping with Mouth Care" video 14 00:00:33,480 --> 00:00:34,533 for a demonstration. 15 00:00:35,550 --> 00:00:37,680 Check the label on the prefilled syringe 16 00:00:37,680 --> 00:00:39,750 to make sure you're giving the right medication 17 00:00:39,750 --> 00:00:42,300 at the right dose, at the right time, 18 00:00:42,300 --> 00:00:45,030 as prescribed by the healthcare provider. 19 00:00:45,030 --> 00:00:47,430 If you don't have prefilled syringes, 20 00:00:47,430 --> 00:00:51,150 measure the prescribed amount into a small syringe. 21 00:00:51,150 --> 00:00:54,390 When you're ready, squirt the medication under the tongue 22 00:00:54,390 --> 00:00:57,330 or into the pocket between the teeth and the cheek. 23 00:00:57,330 --> 00:00:59,760 Ask the person not to swallow the medication. 24 00:00:59,760 --> 00:01:00,780 For good absorption, 25 00:01:00,780 --> 00:01:03,510 they should hold it in their mouth for as long as possible. 26 00:01:03,510 --> 00:01:05,850 If some of the medication is accidentally swallowed, 27 00:01:05,850 --> 00:01:08,013 don't worry, it's not harmful. 28 00:01:09,420 --> 00:01:12,420 As always, finish by washing your hands 29 00:01:12,420 --> 00:01:13,710 and documenting the medication 30 00:01:13,710 --> 00:01:16,113 and when it was given in your medication record. 31 00:01:17,271 --> 00:01:19,854 (gentle music)