What must be considered for ET medication administration?

When administering medications via endotracheal (ET) tube, it's important to recognize that these medications often require higher doses compared to other routes of administration and may need to be diluted to ensure proper delivery and absorption. This is due to the unique pathway and the respiratory system's requirements for effective medication uptake.

The endotracheal route does not allow for the same pharmacokinetics as intravenous or oral routes, which means the typical doses for medication may not achieve the desired therapeutic effect, necessitating a higher dosage. Additionally, diluting the medication can help with absorption as it allows for a smoother delivery into the lungs and minimizes potential irritation to the bronchial tissues.

Understanding this aspect is essential for effective patient care and ensuring that the treatment is as effective as possible when traditional routes are not available.