A provider prescribes a sublingual medication for a client who has an NG tube in place. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Administer the crushed medication through the NG tube.
Dissolve the medication in water and give it through the NG tube.
Administer the medication under the client’s tongue.
Request a prescription for an oral formulation of the medication.
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is choice c. 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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Allopurinol is a medication used to decrease levels of uric acid in people with gout, or kidney stones, or who are receiving certain types of chemotherapy1. Increasing fluid intake while taking this medication can help prevent the formation of kidney stones.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]
Explanation
The correct answer is choice b. The adverse effects of the medication., c. Written information about the medication., and e. The reason why the child is taking the medication.
Choice A rationale:
Stopping the medication when the child feels better is incorrect. It is important to complete the full course of antibiotics to ensure the infection is fully treated and to prevent antibiotic resistance.
Choice B rationale:
The adverse effects of the medication should be included in the discharge instructions. Parents need to be aware of potential side effects so they can monitor their child and seek medical attention if necessary.
Choice C rationale:
Written information about the medication is essential. This provides parents with a reference to review the medication’s purpose, dosage, and administration instructions.
Choice D rationale:
Using a kitchen spoon to administer the medication is incorrect. Kitchen spoons are not accurate for measuring medication doses. A proper measuring device, such as an oral syringe or medicine cup, should be used.
Choice E rationale:
The reason why the child is taking the medication should be included in the discharge instructions. Understanding the purpose of the medication helps ensure adherence to the prescribed treatment plan.
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