A nurse is preparing to administer an enteric-coated oral medication to a client who is having difficulty swallowing.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A rationale:

Injecting the medication at least 5 cm (2 in) from the umbilicus is not a standard guideline for IM injections. The site of injection depends on factors such as the volume of medication and patient’s age and muscle mass.

Choice B rationale:

Using the Z-track technique to administer the medication is correct. This technique helps to seal the medication in muscle tissue, reducing leakage into subcutaneous tissue.

Choice C rationale:

Giving the medication without aspirating prior to injection is not recommended. Aspiration ensures that the needle is not in a blood vessel before injecting.

Choice D rationale:

Administering the medication with a 27-gauge '/,-inch needle may not be appropriate for an IM injection, especially for adults. A longer and larger gauge needle is typically used for IM injections.

Choice A rationale:

Dry mouth is a common side effect of diphenhydramine. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that is often used to treat allergies, insomnia, and symptoms of the common cold. It works by blocking the effects of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergy symptoms. One of the effects of histamine is increased salivation, so when diphenhydramine blocks this effect, it can lead to dry mouth.

Choice B rationale:

Nausea is also a common side effect of diphenhydramine. This can occur because diphenhydramine can slow down the emptying of the stomach, leading to feelings of nausea. Additionally, diphenhydramine can affect the vestibular system in the inner ear, which can also lead to feelings of nausea.

Choice C rationale:

Agitation is considered an idiosyncratic reaction to diphenhydramine. An idiosyncratic reaction is an unusual or unexpected reaction to a drug that is not related to the usual pharmacological action of the drug. While diphenhydramine is typically used for its sedative effects, in some cases it can cause paradoxical central nervous system stimulation, leading to agitation.

Choice D rationale:

Dizziness is another common side effect of diphenhydramine. This occurs because diphenhydramine can affect the vestibular system in the inner ear, which plays a key role in maintaining balance. When this system is affected, it can lead to feelings of dizziness.