Enteral drug administration practices: report of a preliminary survey

This study was initiated to determine whether there is sufficient variation in enteral drug administration practices in hospitalized pediatric patients to result in adverse therapeutic consequences. A survey was developed and administered to nurses from three pediatric and six general hospitals. A total of 317 pediatric nurses responded. Results of the survey confirmed that the primary responsibility for administering enteral medications resides with the nurse. It also documented that many elements in the administration of enteral medications vary significantly among nurses, although nursing personnel expressed confidence in the efficacy of their individual drug administration techniques. Further quantitative evaluations of the efficacy of practices of enteral drug administration must be performed before meaningful standardization of drug administration techniques can be accomplished.