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 A
Explanation
Influenza vaccine production involves growing the virus in eggs. Therefore, the vaccine may contain trace amounts of egg proteins. Some individuals may be allergic to egg proteins and may experience an allergic reaction after receiving the vaccine. For this reason, healthcare providers should always ask their patients about egg allergies before administering the influenza vaccine.
Yeast, gelatin, and shellfish are not typically present in the seasonal inactive influenza vaccine, so allergy to these substances is not a concern when administering the vaccine. However, if a person has a known allergy to any of the ingredients in the vaccine, they should inform their healthcare provider before receiving it.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Timolol maleate (Timoptic) is a beta-adrenergic blocking agent that reduces elevated intraocular pressure by decreasing the production of aqueous humour in the ciliary body of the eye.
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