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?
Request a prescription for an oral formulation of the medication
Administer the medication under the client's tongue
Dissolve the medication in water and give it through the NG tube
Administer the crushed medication through the NG tube
The Correct Answer is A
A. Requesting a prescription for an oral formulation of the medication is the appropriate action, as sublingual medications are designed to dissolve under the tongue and bypass the gastrointestinal tract, which is not feasible with an NG tube in place.
B. Administering the medication under the client's tongue is incorrect because the NG tube prevents effective absorption through the sublingual route.
C. Dissolving the medication in water and giving it through the NG tube defeats the purpose of sublingual administration and may not provide the desired therapeutic effect.
D. Administering the crushed medication through the NG tube is inappropriate for sublingual medications, as this can alter the medication's pharmacokinetics and effectiveness.
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. Obtaining the client's consent is the responsibility of the provider, not the nurse. The nurse should ensure the client is informed but cannot independently obtain consent.
B. It is not within the nurse's scope of practice to explain the procedure in detail; this is the responsibility of the healthcare provider. The nurse can clarify information if the client has questions but should not assume the role of the educator regarding the procedure.
C. Witnessing the client's signature is an appropriate action for the nurse once the client has received information from the provider and understands the procedure, as it confirms that the client voluntarily consents.
D. Explaining the risks and benefits of the procedure is also the responsibility of the healthcare provider, as they are the ones performing the procedure and are qualified to discuss it in detail.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Washing the area of the puncture thoroughly with soap and water is the first and most immediate action to reduce the risk of infection and transmission of bloodborne pathogens. This should be done as soon as possible after the injury.
B. Going to employee health services is necessary but should follow immediate first aid measures.
C. Completing an incident report is important for documentation and accountability but is not the immediate priority after a needle-stick injury.
D. Reporting the incident to the charge nurse is necessary for proper protocol but does not take precedence over ensuring the injury is properly cleaned first.