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 C
Explanation
Cefoxitin is a cephalosporin antibiotic and can cause allergic reactions in people who are allergic to penicillin or other beta-lactam antibiotics like amoxicillin. Therefore, a severe allergy to amoxicillin is a contraindication for the client to receive cefoxitin, and the nurse should report this finding to the provider immediately.
A recent history of diarrhea for three days is not a contraindication for cefoxitin administration. However, the nurse should monitor the client for signs of diarrhea and report any worsening symptoms to the provider.
A serum creatinine level of 0.8 mg/dL is within the normal range and is not a contraindication for cefoxitin administration.
A history of phlebitis following an IV infusion of 0.9% sodium chloride with 10 mEq potassium chloride is not a contraindication for cefoxitin administration. However, the nurse should assess the client's veins carefully before administering the medication and choose a different site or route for administration if necessary.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Itching can be a sign of an allergic reaction to amoxicillin-clavulanate. If a client develops itching while taking this medication, they should stop taking it and contact their healthcare provider immediately for further instructions.
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