A nurse is administering medications to a client who has dysphagia and a new prescription for divalproex sodium sprinkle capsules. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Crush the medication and mix it with orange juice.

Place the medication under the client's tongue.

Instruct the client to chew the medication before swallowing.

Administer the medication with applesauce.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A reason: Crushing divalproex sodium capsules is contraindicated because it alters the pharmacological integrity of the medication. Crushing can destroy the extended-release properties, leading to rapid absorption and increased risk of toxicity. This makes the option unsafe.

Choice B reason: Placing the medication under the tongue is inappropriate because divalproex sodium is not formulated for sublingual administration. Sublingual placement would not provide proper absorption and could irritate mucous membranes.

Choice C reason: Chewing the medication before swallowing is incorrect because it disrupts the capsule’s design, leading to altered absorption and potential gastrointestinal irritation. Chewing can also cause a bitter taste and reduce compliance.

Choice D reason: Administering sprinkle capsules with applesauce is the correct action. The capsule contents can be sprinkled onto soft food like applesauce, which facilitates swallowing in clients with dysphagia while maintaining the medication’s integrity. This method ensures proper absorption and safety, making it the best choice.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: A decrease in blood pressure is not characteristic of autonomic dysreflexia. Instead, autonomic dysreflexia typically causes a sudden and severe increase in blood pressure due to sympathetic nervous system overactivity triggered by stimuli below the level of injury. This option is incorrect.

Choice B reason: An increase in heart rate is not typical of autonomic dysreflexia. In fact, bradycardia (decreased heart rate) often occurs due to parasympathetic compensation in response to hypertension. Therefore, this option is incorrect.

Choice C reason: Eye twitching is not a recognized symptom of autonomic dysreflexia. The hallmark symptoms include severe hypertension, pounding headache, flushing, sweating above the level of injury, and nasal congestion. This option is incorrect.

Choice D reason: A sudden, severe headache is a hallmark symptom of autonomic dysreflexia. It results from acute hypertension caused by noxious stimuli such as bladder distention, fecal impaction, or skin irritation below the level of injury. This makes option D the correct answer.

A. "Many clients undergoing hemodialysis can resume their usual activities." B. "Why are you unsure about starting hemodialysis?" C. "Can you clarify what makes you unsure about starting hemodialysis?" D. "I recommend you talk to your family about initiating hemodialysis."

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: While it is true that many clients can resume usual activities while on hemodialysis, this statement does not address the client’s uncertainty. It provides reassurance but does not encourage exploration of the client’s feelings or concerns, which is essential in therapeutic communication.

Choice B reason: Asking “Why are you unsure?” can sound confrontational and may make the client defensive. It does not promote open dialogue in a supportive manner.

Choice C reason: Asking the client to clarify what makes them unsure is therapeutic. It invites the client to share their concerns in a nonjudgmental way, allowing the nurse to better understand their perspective and provide individualized support. This is the correct answer because it fosters communication and client-centered care.

Choice D reason: Recommending that the client talk to their family shifts responsibility away from the nurse-client relationship. While family support is important, the nurse’s role is to explore the client’s feelings and provide education, not to delegate the decision-making process.

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A nurse is administering medications to a client who has dysphagia and a new prescription for divalproex sodium sprinkle capsules. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Explanation

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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