The practical nurse (PN) is contributing to a care plan for an adult client with Lyme disease. Which client outcome is indicated for this client?

Choice A rationale:

Crushing the medication and administering it in applesauce might alter its pharmacokinetics, rendering it ineffective or causing it to act too quickly. Sublingual tablets are designed to dissolve under the tongue for rapid absorption into the bloodstream. Crushing the tablet and mixing it with applesauce could change its intended mode of action.

Choice B rationale:

Placing the tablet under the client's tongue is the correct action for a sublingual tablet. Sublingual administration allows the medication to dissolve directly into the bloodstream through the sublingual mucosa, bypassing the digestive system and providing rapid onset of action.

Choice C rationale:

Obtaining a liquid form of the medication might be an option, but it may not always be available. Additionally, some medications are not available in liquid forms, and the liquid form might have a slower onset of action compared to the sublingual route.

Choice D rationale:

Placing the tablet inside the client's cheek is known as the buccal route of administration. While this route is also for oral absorption, sublingual administration is preferred for specific medications designed for rapid absorption.

The correct answer is Choice C:

Gather the procedure tray and equipment. Choice A rationale:

Placing the client in an orthopneic position (sitting upright and leaning forward) is not necessary for a thoracentesis procedure. The position may be uncomfortable for the client and does not facilitate the procedure.

Choice B rationale:

Keeping the client NPO (nothing by mouth) and encouraging them to void before the procedure is not directly relevant to a thoracentesis. NPO status might be indicated for other procedures requiring anesthesia but not for a bedside thoracentesis.

Choice C rationale:

This is the correct choice. The PN should prepare by gathering the procedure tray and equipment before the healthcare provider arrives to perform the thoracentesis. This ensures that all necessary items are readily available for the procedure.

Choice D rationale:

Cleansing the site and covering it with a sterile towel is a task usually performed by the healthcare provider who will be performing the thoracentesis. The PN's role is to prepare the necessary equipment and assist the provider during the procedure.