A nurse is administering oral medications to patients. Which action will the nurse take?
Measure liquid medication by bringing liquid medication cup to eye level.
Crush enteric-coated medication and place it in a medication cup with water.
Place all of the client's medications in the same cup, except medications with assessments.
Remove the medication from the wrapper and place it in a cup labeled with the client's information.
The Correct Answer is A
A) Measure liquid medication by bringing liquid medication cup to eye level: This is the correct action. Measuring liquid medications at eye level ensures accuracy and helps the nurse confirm the correct dosage, minimizing the risk of administration errors.
B) Crush enteric-coated medication and place it in a medication cup with water: This option is incorrect. Enteric-coated medications are designed to dissolve in the intestine, not in the stomach, and crushing them can alter their effectiveness and increase the risk of side effects. These medications should be administered whole.
C) Place all of the client's medications in the same cup, except medications with assessments: This option is not advisable without knowing how the medications interact. Certain medications may have specific requirements for administration and should not be mixed together, as this could lead to confusion or adverse reactions.
D) Remove the medication from the wrapper and place it in a cup labeled with the client's information: While labeling is crucial for safety, medications should ideally be kept in their original packaging until administration to prevent confusion and ensure that the nurse has all necessary information about the medication at hand. Medications should only be removed when preparing for immediate administration.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Application of a transdermal patch: The application of transdermal patches is typically within the scope of licensed nursing personnel due to the need for appropriate placement, potential absorption risks, and proper documentation. This task requires understanding of the medication's effects, which is outside the scope of a UAP’s duties.
B) Use of MDIs: Metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) involve medication administration, which requires client assessment, monitoring of technique, and evaluation of response to therapy. These are skills that a UAP is not trained to handle, as they fall within a licensed nurse's responsibilities.
C) Application of a skin barrier cream to the perineal area: UAPs can apply non-medicated skin barrier creams to protect the skin in the perineal area, as it is a basic care activity. This task does not require specialized training in medication administration and is within the typical role of a UAP for maintaining skin integrity.
D) Instillation of eye drops: Administering eye drops involves medication administration, which includes proper technique, dosing, and monitoring for side effects, making it a task for licensed nursing personnel rather than a UAP.
E) Inserting rectal medications: Rectal medication insertion is a more advanced procedure that requires medication administration knowledge, correct positioning, and monitoring, which are responsibilities designated for licensed nursing staff, not a UAP.
F) Instillation of ear drops: Administering ear drops requires an understanding of dosing, technique, and monitoring for adverse effects, all of which are beyond the scope of practice for UAPs and are typically carried out by licensed nursing staff.
G) Inserting vaginal medications: Vaginal medication administration requires understanding of proper technique and monitoring for therapeutic effects or side effects, which necessitates a licensed nurse’s assessment skills and should not be delegated to a UAP.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Should not be swallowed because it alters the absorption potential: This is the correct explanation. Sublingual medications, such as nitroglycerin, are designed to be absorbed quickly through the mucous membranes under the tongue. Swallowing the medication can significantly reduce its effectiveness and delay absorption, which is crucial for medications used in acute situations like angina.
B) Can be held against the roof of the mouth with the tongue to reduce taste: This option is not correct. Holding the medication against the roof of the mouth does not facilitate the intended sublingual absorption and may not significantly mitigate the taste issue. The medication needs to dissolve under the tongue for effective absorption.
C) Can be inserted rectally without loss of absorption potential: This option is incorrect. Sublingual medications are formulated for absorption through the sublingual mucosa and would not provide the same effects if administered rectally. Different routes of administration have different absorption profiles.
D) Can be taken between the cheek and tongue to diminish taste: While this may help with taste, it does not achieve the desired sublingual absorption. For optimal effect, the medication should be held under the tongue, where it can dissolve and be absorbed directly into the bloodstream.