A nurse is assessing a client who is taking oxacillin to treat an infection. The nurse should recognize which of the following findings is a manifestation of an allergic reaction?

The correct answer is choicec. Administer the medication under the client’s tongue.

Choice A rationale:

Administering the crushed medication through the NG tube is inappropriate because sublingual medications are designed to be absorbed through the tissues under the tongue, not the gastrointestinal tract. Crushing and administering it through the NG tube would alter its intended absorption and effectiveness.

Choice B rationale:

Dissolving the medication in water and giving it through the NG tube is also incorrect for the same reasons as Choice A. Sublingual medications are specifically formulated to be absorbed through the mucous membranes under the tongue, and changing the route of administration can affect the drug’s efficacy.

Choice C rationale:

Administering the medication under the client’s tongue is the correct action. Sublingual medications are designed to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the tissues under the tongue, bypassing the digestive system and providing rapid onset of action.

Choice D rationale:

While some medications can be safely switched to oral formulations for NG tube administration, such a change is only necessary when the prescribed route (in this case, sublingual) cannot be used. Without contraindications (e.g., inability to hold the medication under the tongue or mucosal issues), the original sublingual route should be followed.

When administering ophthalmic drops, the nurse should hold the dropper 2 cm (3/4 inch) above the lower conjunctival sac and instill the prescribed number of drops into the sac. The client should be instructed to look up and away from the dropper while the drops are being instilled.