A nurse is preparing to administer an enteric-coated oral medication to a client who is having difficulty swallowing.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A rationale:

While it’s important for the provider to be informed if the medication isn’t working, it’s premature to change the medication after only 6 days.

Choice B rationale:

Amitriptyline does not need to be taken on an empty stomach to be effective.

Choice C rationale:

Amitriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant, often takes several weeks before a therapeutic effect is felt.

Choice D rationale:

Increasing the dose prematurely can lead to unnecessary side effects. It’s better to wait for the medication to take effect.

Choice A rationale:

Ketorolac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for pain relief after surgery. However, it’s not typically administered every 3 hours. Overuse can lead to serious side effects.

Choice B rationale:

If the client’s pain level remains high after receiving ketorolac, administering an opioid medication like oxycodone may be appropriate.

Choice C rationale:

While acetaminophen can be used for pain relief, rectal administration is not typically the first choice for postoperative pain management.

Choice D rationale:

It’s inappropriate to label a patient as exhibiting drug-seeking behaviors simply because their reported pain level remains high after medication. Pain is subjective and should be addressed appropriately.