When you want a patient to get medication into the bloodstream as soon as possible, then most of the time, the tablet will go under the tongue. There are certain drugs that are meant for that type of placement in order for it to work. These include cardiovascular drugs, benzodiazepines and steroids. Sometimes, there are vitamins and minerals that are being ingested by placing them under the tongue or on the floor of the mouth.
The reason is because there is a mucous membrane underneath the tongue and this absorbs quickly. Also, the connective tissue under the tongue helps out with the absorption. So, if a nurse has a patient and he or she is given a sublingual tablet, then the patient should be advised to place the tablet under the tongue.
On the floor of the mouth.-rationale: the nurse should instruct the client to touch the tip of the tongue to the roof of the mouth, then place the sublingual tablet on the floor of the mouth. sublingual medications are absorbed directly into the bloodstream from the oral mucosa, bypassing the gi and hepatic systems. no drug is administered on top of the tongue or on the roof of the mouth. with the buccal route, the client places the tablet between the gum and the cheek.client needs category: physiological integrityclient needs subcategory: pharmacological and parenteral therapiescognitive level: knowledgereference: taylor, c., et al. fundamentals of nursing: the art and science of nursing care, 6th ed. philadelphia: lippincott williams & wilkins, 2008, p. 791.
