A nurse is caring for client who has difficulty swallowing medications and is prescribed enteric-coated aspirin PO once daily. The client asks the medication can be crushed to make it easier to swallow. Which of the following responses should the nurse provide?
Crushing the medication would release all the medication at once, rather than over time."
Crushing the medication might cause you to have a stomachache or indigestion.
"Crushing the medication is a good idea, and I can mix in some ice cream for you."
"Crushing is unsafe, as it destroys the ingredients in the medication."
The Correct Answer is B
A) Crushing the medication would release all the medication at once, rather than over time:. Enteric-coated aspirin is designed to bypass the stomach and release the medication in the small intestine to avoid irritation of the stomach lining. Crushing the tablet could potentially release the entire dose all at once, which could lead to gastrointestinal irritation, but this isn't the primary concern. The key issue is that crushing destroys the enteric coating, which is crucial for protecting the stomach.
B) Crushing the medication might cause you to have a stomachache or indigestion:
Enteric-coated medications are specifically designed to protect the stomach lining by delaying the release of the drug until it reaches the small intestine. Crushing the medication would destroy the enteric coating, which can lead to stomach irritation, upset, or even ulcer formation due to the direct exposure of the stomach lining to the medication. Therefore, crushing could cause significant discomfort or damage to the digestive system.
C) "Crushing the medication is a good idea, and I can mix in some ice cream for you.":
Crushing enteric-coated medications, such as aspirin, can lead to adverse effects like stomach irritation, ulceration, and poor absorption. The nurse should not recommend this method of administration without first consulting with the prescribing provider or pharmacist to explore alternatives.
D) "Crushing is unsafe, as it destroys the ingredients in the medication.":
Crushing does not destroy the active ingredients in the medication, but it does destroy the enteric coating, which is the key concern. The enteric coating's function is to prevent the aspirin from irritating the stomach. While it's important to recognize that crushing is unsafe, the reason is more about the loss of this protective coating rather than the destruction of the medication's active ingredients themselves.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) They bend at the ho when lifting:
This statement seems to be a typographical error, but it likely refers to "bending at the hips" when lifting. While bending at the hips can help reduce strain on the back, it is not the ideal body mechanic for lifting heavy objects. Proper lifting techniques involve bending at the knees, not the hips, to maintain proper alignment and reduce the risk of injury to the lower back. The correct form would be to squat down using the legs and keeping the back straight.
B) They keep their feet together when lifting an object:
Keeping the feet together when lifting an object is not advisable. The nurse should keep their feet shoulder-width apart for stability when lifting heavy objects. This wide stance provides a stable base and helps prevent loss of balance or strain during the lift. Keeping feet together would increase the risk of losing balance and possibly causing injury.
C) They stand close to the object being moved:
Standing close to the object being moved is the correct body mechanic. When lifting, the nurse should position themselves close to the object to minimize the leverage needed to lift it. By maintaining a short distance from the object, the nurse can use their legs to lift rather than relying on their back, which helps reduce the risk of back strain or injury.
D) They twist their spine when lifting:
Twisting the spine when lifting is a dangerous action that increases the risk of back injury. Proper body mechanics require that the nurse keep the back straight and avoid twisting the spine during the lift. Instead, they should rotate their whole body, moving their feet to turn, rather than twisting the spine. Twisting puts unnecessary stress on the spinal discs and can lead to muscle strain or injury.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Planning:
The step of the nursing process where the nurse formulates goals to address an identified problem is planning. In this phase, the nurse develops a care plan by setting measurable and achievable goals based on the assessment data. These goals are designed to address the specific health problems identified during the assessment phase. The planning stage also involves determining appropriate interventions and establishing expected outcomes for the patient. It's critical to ensure that the goals are realistic and aligned with the patient’s needs and preferences.
B) Implementation:
Implementation refers to the actual carrying out of the nursing interventions and care plan that were developed during the planning phase. This is when the nurse takes action based on the goals set earlier, such as administering medications, teaching the patient, or performing specific procedures. While this phase is crucial for the success of the care plan, it does not involve the creation of goals, which is the focus of the planning phase.
C) Assessment:
Assessment is the first step in the nursing process. It involves gathering comprehensive information about the patient’s physical, psychological, social, and emotional status. The assessment phase is focused on identifying the patient’s needs, strengths, and problems. While it provides the foundation for formulating goals, it is not the phase where goals are set. Instead, the assessment phase is about collecting data to inform the planning process.
D) Evaluation:
Evaluation occurs after the implementation of interventions. During this phase, the nurse evaluates whether the patient’s goals have been met, partially met, or not met at all. The nurse examines the effectiveness of the care plan and determines if adjustments need to be made. This is not the phase where goals are set; rather, it is a reflective stage where the nurse assesses progress toward achieving the goals established in the planning phase.
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