A nurse is administering medication to a client who has dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing. Which of the following strategies should the nurse use to prevent medication errors and ensure safety? (Select all that apply.)
Crush or dissolve tablets and capsules before giving them to the client.
Mix medications with food or liquids that are easy to swallow.
Give one medication at a time and allow time for swallowing.
Encourage the client to drink water before and after taking medications.
Assess the client's mouth for pocketing of medications.
Correct Answer : B,C,E
B) This is correct as mixing medications with food or liquids that are easy to swallow can help to prevent choking and aspiration and improve compliance. However, some medications may interact with certain foods or liquids, so the nurse should check with the pharmacist before mixing them.
C) This is correct as giving one medication at a time and allowing time for swallowing can help to prevent choking and aspiration and ensure that each medication is taken correctly. The nurse should also monitor the client for signs of difficulty swallowing, such as coughing, gagging, drooling, or regurgitation.
E) This is correct as assessing the client's mouth for pocketing of medications can help to prevent medication errors and ensure that each medication is taken correctly. Pocketing of medications occurs when the client holds medications in their cheeks or under their tongue instead of swallowing them. This can lead to ineffective therapy, toxicity, or adverse effects.
A) This is incorrect as crushing or dissolving tablets and capsules before giving them to the client can alter their effectiveness, absorption, or bioavailability and cause medication errors or adverse effects. Some tablets and capsules are designed to be swallowed whole, such as enteric-coated, extended-release, or sublingual formulations. The nurse should check with the pharmacist before crushing or dissolving any tablets or capsules.
D) This is incorrect as encouraging the client to drink water before and after taking medications can help to prevent choking and aspiration and ensure adequate hydration, but it may not be appropriate for some clients who have dysphagia or who are on fluid restrictions. The nurse should assess the client's ability to drink water safely and follow their individualized plan of care.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]
Explanation
A) This is correct as checking the medication label against the MAR three times is one of the six rights of medication administration and helps to ensure accuracy and safety.
B) This is correct as using two client identifiers is another one of the six rights of medication administration and helps to verify the identity of the client.
C) This is correct as asking the client to state their name and date of birth is another way of verifying the identity of the client and can also help to engage them in their care.
D) This is incorrect as documenting the medication administration should be done as soon as possible after giving the medication to avoid errors and omissions.
E) This is correct as following the six rights of medication administration (right client, right medication, right dose, right route, right time, right documentation) is a standard practice that helps to prevent medication errors.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
B) This is correct as discontinuing the IV infusion and removing the catheter is the first action that the nurse should take when suspecting an IV site infection or phlebitis. This helps to prevent further complications and damage to the vein.
A) This is incorrect as applying a warm compress to the IV site can help to reduce inflammation and discomfort, but it is not the first action that the nurse should take. The nurse should apply a warm compress after discontinuing the IV infusion and removing the catheter.
C) This is incorrect as elevating the affected arm above the level of the heart can help to reduce swelling and improve blood flow, but it is not the first action that the nurse should take. The nurse should elevate the affected arm after discontinuing the IV infusion and removing the catheter.
D) This is incorrect as notifying the provider and documenting the findings are important steps in managing an IV site infection or phlebitis, but they are not the first actions that the nurse should take. The nurse should notify the provider and document the findings after discontinuing the IV infusion and removing the catheter.
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