A nurse is planning to administer medications to an older adult client who has dysphagia. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
Administer more than one pill to the client at a time.
Tilt the client's head back when administering the medications
Place the medications on the back of the client's tongue
Mix the medications with a semisolid fop for the client
The Correct Answer is D
A. Administer more than one pill to the client at a time: Administering more than one pill at a time may increase the risk of choking, especially for individuals with dysphagia. It's generally advisable to administer one medication at a time to ensure proper swallowing.
B. Tilt the client's head back when administering the medications: Tipping the head backward can increase the risk of aspiration (inhalation of medication into the airways). It is recommended to keep the head in a neutral or slightly forward position to facilitate swallowing.
C. Place the medications on the back of the client's tongue: Placing medications on the back of the tongue may trigger the gag reflex and increase the risk of aspiration. Medications should be placed on the front of the tongue to allow for better control and coordination of swallowing.
D. Mix the medications with a semisolid food for the client (Correct Answer): Mixing medications with a semisolid food, often referred to as "food thickening," can be beneficial for clients with dysphagia. This helps make the medications easier to swallow and reduces the risk of choking or aspiration. However, it is important to check with the healthcare provider or pharmacist to ensure compatibility with specific medications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Bone loss:
This is the correct answer. Long-term use of corticosteroids, such as prednisone, is associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis and bone loss. This effect is particularly significant in older adults.
B. Hypoglycemia:
Prednisone is more likely to cause hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) rather than hypoglycemia. It can lead to insulin resistance and impaired glucose metabolism.
C. Liver toxicity:
Liver toxicity is not a common adverse effect of prednisone. Prednisone is metabolized in the liver, but significant liver toxicity is not a typical concern with its use.
D. Hemolytic anemia:
Hemolytic anemia is not a common adverse effect of prednisone. Corticosteroids can affect the immune system, but hemolytic anemia is not a typical manifestation.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "I will have my partner tilt their head back while I am instilling the drops:"
Tilting the head back is not the recommended position for administering otic (ear) drops. This position can lead to the medication running out of the ear rather than staying in the ear canal.
B. "I will have my partner lie down on their back while I am instilling the drops:"
While lying down is a better position than tilting the head back, it is not as effective as the correct technique of pulling the pinna upward and outward. Lying down may still allow the drops to flow out of the ear.
C. "I will pull the pinna upward and outward prior to instilling the drops:"
This is the correct answer. The proper technique for administering otic drops involves pulling the pinna (outer ear) upward and outward. This straightens the ear canal, facilitating the correct placement of the medication.
D. "I will make sure the solution is cool prior to instilling the drops:"
The temperature of the solution is not typically a specific consideration for ear drops unless otherwise specified by the healthcare provider. Room temperature drops are generally acceptable.
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