In reviewing the units of measurement in the following charts, the nurse indicates an understanding of the metric system when the nurse states that chart ______ is correct.

A. Administer extended-release tablets once a day: While extended-release formulations are often given once daily, the exact frequency must be confirmed with the prescriber’s order. The label alone does not specify the dosing schedule.

B. Instruct the patient to chew the tablet slowly: Extended-release tablets are formulated to release the drug over time. Chewing them can destroy the coating and cause rapid absorption, increasing the risk of adverse effects.

C. Instruct the patient to swallow the entire tablet: Swallowing the extended-release tablet whole ensures that the medication is released gradually as designed. This maintains therapeutic levels and reduces the risk of toxicity.

D. Crush and dissolve the tablet in 15 mL of water: Crushing or dissolving an extended-release tablet disrupts the controlled-release mechanism, potentially leading to overdose and loss of efficacy.

A. Injected into the subcutaneous tissue: Subcutaneous injections deliver medication into the fatty tissue under the skin. This route is not appropriate for a sublingual order and would prevent rapid absorption through the oral mucosa.

B. Placed between the gum and lining of the cheek: This describes the buccal route, which allows absorption through the cheek lining. While similar to sublingual, it is not the intended route for a sublingual medication, which must be placed under the tongue for rapid systemic absorption.

C. Placed under the tongue: Sublingual administration involves placing the medication beneath the tongue, allowing it to dissolve and absorb directly into the bloodstream. This route bypasses the gastrointestinal tract and first-pass metabolism, providing rapid onset of action.

D. Inhaled through the nasal mucosa: Nasal administration delivers medication through the respiratory mucosa and is not appropriate for sublingual drugs. Using this route would result in improper absorption and therapeutic effect.