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.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Observing the client is inappropriate as they are demonstrating signs of choking and require immediate intervention.
B. Performing the Heimlich maneuver is appropriate as the guest is unable to talk, which indicates a potential airway obstruction that needs to be relieved promptly.
C. Slapping the client on the back may not be effective and could worsen the obstruction, especially since they are grasping their throat.
D. Assisting the client to the floor and beginning mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is not appropriate in this situation, as the priority is to clear the obstruction, not to provide rescue breaths.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. While completing an incident report is important for documentation and quality improvement, it is not the immediate priority in the event of a medication error.
B. Notifying the nurse manager is a necessary step for reporting the error, but it should occur after ensuring the client's safety.
C. Calling the client's provider is essential to discuss the medication error and possible interventions, but the client's health and safety must be assessed first.
D. Assessing the client is the priority action to ensure the client’s safety and to identify any adverse effects resulting from the wrong medication. The nurse needs to determine the client's vital signs, level of consciousness, and any immediate symptoms related to the medication administered.