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 D
Explanation
A. Contacting the pharmacy may provide information, but the nurse's primary responsibility is to clarify the prescription with the provider, as they ordered the medication.
B. Informing the charge nurse and administering the medication without verifying the dosage is inappropriate and could potentially harm the client.
C. Asking another nurse to verify the dosage is a good practice but does not address the need for clarification from the provider.
D. Contacting the provider to question the dosage is the correct action, as it ensures patient safety by confirming the appropriateness of the prescribed dose before administration.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Knowing the client's height can be helpful for ergonomic considerations, but it is not critical for the transfer process.
B. The client's ability to communicate is important for understanding their needs and preferences but does not directly impact the physical safety of the transfer.
C. The client's current weight-bearing status is crucial to determine the safest method of transfer. If the client cannot bear weight, additional assistance or equipment may be necessary to prevent falls or injury.
D. While knowing the type of equipment used in previous transfers can provide insight, it is secondary to understanding the client's current physical capabilities and needs.