A nurse is administering an oral medication to a patient with dysphagia. What is the most appropriate action to ensure safe administration?
Assess the patient's ability to swallow before administration.
Change the route to intravenous administration without consulting the provider.
Crush the medication and mix it with water or applesauce.
Administer the medication with a large glass of juice to ensure it is swallowed.
The Correct Answer is A
Rationale:
A. Assess the patient's ability to swallow before administration: Evaluating the patient’s swallowing ability is the first and most important step to prevent choking, aspiration, or medication errors. This assessment guides whether modifications to the route or form are necessary.
B. Change the route to intravenous administration without consulting the provider: Altering the route without provider approval can be unsafe and may lead to incorrect dosing or adverse effects. Route changes require an order and clinical judgment.
C. Crush the medication and mix it with water or applesauce: Crushing may be appropriate for some medications, but not all (e.g., extended-release or enteric-coated forms). This action should only be taken after assessing swallowing ability and verifying the medication can safely be altered.
D. Administer the medication with a large glass of juice to ensure it is swallowed: Simply giving fluids does not address dysphagia risk and may not prevent aspiration. Proper assessment and potentially alternative administration strategies are needed for safety.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. It shows the drug's physical description: The physical description, such as color, shape, or form, helps with identification but does not indicate why the drug should be used.
B. It specifies the conditions the drug is meant to treat: Indications provide critical information about the therapeutic purpose of the medication. Knowing the intended use ensures the drug is given for appropriate conditions, supporting safe and effective treatment.
C. It lists potential side effects: Side effects are important safety information but are separate from the indication, which focuses on the therapeutic goal rather than possible adverse reactions.
D. It provides the manufacturing process details: Information about how the drug is manufactured does not guide clinical use. Indications directly inform the nurse and patient about the drug’s intended purpose.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. centiliters: A centiliter is 1/100 of a liter, whereas a deciliter is 1/10 of a liter. Since 1/100 is smaller than 1/10, centiliters represent a smaller quantity compared to deciliters. This makes centiliters the more precise, smaller unit when measuring volume.
B. Neither represents a smaller quantity: Both units measure volume, but their sizes differ. Deciliters are larger than centiliters, so it is inaccurate to say neither is smaller. Understanding metric prefixes helps clarify which unit is smaller.
C. Both are equal: Centiliters and deciliters are not equal in size. One deciliter equals ten centiliters, meaning their volumes are different. Recognizing metric relationships prevents confusion in conversions and measurements.
D. Deciliters: A deciliter represents 1/10 of a liter, which is larger than a centiliter (1/100 of a liter). Choosing deciliters as the smaller unit would be incorrect because they contain a greater volume than centiliters.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.