A nurse is contributing to the care plan for a client who has recently been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan? (Select all that apply.)

Choice A rationale:

The statement “The intravenous medication will have delayed absorption into the body’s tissues” is incorrect. Intravenous (IV) therapy is administering fluids directly into a vein. It benefits treatment by enabling water, medication, blood, or nutrients to access the body faster through the circulatory system. This bypasses the gastric system so the body can take on more fluids quickly. Therefore, the absorption of intravenous medication into the body’s tissues is not delayed but rather immediate.

Choice B rationale:

The statement “The action of the medication will begin sooner when given intravenously” is correct. Administering a medication intravenously eliminates the process of drug absorption and breakdown by directly depositing it into the blood. This results in the immediate elevation of serum levels and high concentration in vital organs, such as the heart, brain, and kidneys. Therefore, the action of the medication begins sooner when given intravenously.

Choice C rationale:

The statement “The medication will cause fewer adverse effects when given intravenously” is not necessarily true. While some medications might cause fewer adverse effects when given intravenously, this is not a general rule for all medications. The adverse effects of a medication depend on various factors including the type of medication, the dose, the patient’s health condition, and more.

Choice D rationale:

The statement “There is a lower chance of allergic reactions when drugs are given intravenously” is not necessarily true. The chance of allergic reactions depends on various factors including the type of drug, the patient’s immune response, previous exposure to the drug, and more. It’s not related to the route of administration.

Choice A rationale:

Administering the medications using a 3-mL medication syringe is not the best practice. While it is possible to use a 3-mL syringe for medication administration, it is not the most efficient or safest method. A larger syringe allows for easier administration and reduces the risk of creating too much pressure which could potentially damage the PEG tube.

Choice B rationale:

Applying firm pressure on the syringe’s piston to infuse the medication is not recommended. This can create too much pressure in the PEG tube and could potentially cause damage. It is generally advised to allow the medication to flow into the tube via gravity. Choice C rationale:

Flushing the tubing with 30 mL of saline after the medication has been given is the correct technique. This helps to ensure that all of the medication has been administered and also helps to keep the tube clear of any potential blockages.

Choice D rationale:

Using the barrel of the syringe, allowing the medication to flow via gravity into the tube is a common practice. However, it is not the only step in the process. It is also important to flush the tube before and after medication administration to ensure all medication is delivered and to maintain the patency of the tube.