Toedienen

Toedienen is a Dutch verb meaning to administer or dispense a substance or treatment to a person. In medical and caregiving contexts it refers to giving a drug, vaccine, infusion, or other therapeutic measure to a patient according to a prescribed regimen or protocol. The term is used for a variety of administration routes, including oral (tablets or liquids), intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous injections, topical applications, inhalations, and transfusions, among others.

Practitioners who may be involved include physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and other authorized healthcare professionals. The process typically involves verifying the patient’s identity, checking the prescribed dosage and route, ensuring there are no contraindications or allergies, and recording the administration in the patient’s medical record. Safety measures include double-checking high‑risk medications, ensuring proper storage and handling, and monitoring for adverse reactions.

Etymology and usage: toedienen derives from the Dutch verb dienen (to serve) with the prefix toe-, indicating direction toward the patient. The noun form toediening denotes the act of administration.

Regulatory context: administration of medicines is governed by clinical guidelines and local regulatory frameworks to ensure patient safety. In many systems, certain administrations require authorization, standing orders, or prescription. Toediening is a core concept in pharmacotherapy and nursing, reflecting the controlled and wishes-based delivery of treatments within health care.