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 A
Explanation
A) Cataracts:
A cloudy, opaque area over the lens of the eye is a classic sign of cataracts. Cataracts occur when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy or opaque, leading to blurry vision and, in some cases, eventual blindness if left untreated. Cataracts typically develop slowly and can be caused by aging, injury, or other conditions like diabetes. Symptoms include difficulty seeing at night, glare, and a decrease in color intensity.
B) Diabetic retinopathy:
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the blood vessels of the retina. It leads to vision problems such as blurred vision, floaters, and even blindness. However, it is characterized by damage to the retina, not cloudiness or opacity over the lens.
C) Macular degeneration:
Macular degeneration affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for central vision. It leads to a loss of central vision, causing difficulty with tasks like reading or recognizing faces. There is often blurriness or distortion in the center of the visual field.
D) Glaucoma:
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that lead to damage to the optic nerve often due to high intraocular pressure. It can result in peripheral vision loss and, if untreated, can lead to blindness. However, glaucoma does not cause a cloudy, opaque lens but rather affects the optic nerve and peripheral vision.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Use hot water so rinse hand sanitizer off:
Using hot water is not recommended when performing hand hygiene with alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Alcohol-based sanitizers do not require rinsing off, as they are designed to evaporate quickly, killing germs as they dry. Rinsing with water, especially hot water, can dilute the sanitizer, reducing its effectiveness. Hands should be left to dry naturally after applying the sanitizer.
B) Dry hands with a reusable towel:
While towels can be used for drying hands after washing with soap and water, they should not be used after alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Alcohol hand sanitizers should be allowed to air dry on the hands. Using a towel could reintroduce contaminants and diminish the effectiveness of the sanitizer. Ideally, hands should be rubbed together until they are dry without the need for any towel.
C) Rub hands together for 20 seconds:
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are effective in killing germs in a short amount of time—usually within 20 seconds or less. However, the correct technique for using alcohol-based hand sanitizers involves rubbing hands together until they are completely dry, not for a full 20 seconds as one might with handwashing. The important factor is ensuring the sanitizer has covered all surfaces of the hands, including between fingers and around nails, before allowing it to air dry.
D) Rub hand sanitizer around rings on fingers:
Rubbing the hand sanitizer around rings is a necessary step. Jewelry, such as rings, can harbor bacteria or other pathogens, making it essential to ensure the sanitizer comes into contact with areas that are often missed during hand hygiene, like around rings. The nurse should rub the hand sanitizer thoroughly over all surfaces of the hands, including around jewelry, to ensure effective hand hygiene.
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