A provider prescribes a sublingual medication for a client who has an NG tube in place. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Administer the crushed medication through the NG tube.
Dissolve the medication in water and give it through the NG tube.
Administer the medication under the client’s tongue.
Request a prescription for an oral formulation of the medication.
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is choice c. Administer the medication under the client’s tongue.
Choice A rationale:
Administering the crushed medication through the NG tube is inappropriate because sublingual medications are designed to be absorbed through the tissues under the tongue, not the gastrointestinal tract. Crushing and administering it through the NG tube would alter its intended absorption and effectiveness.
Choice B rationale:
Dissolving the medication in water and giving it through the NG tube is also incorrect for the same reasons as Choice A. Sublingual medications are specifically formulated to be absorbed through the mucous membranes under the tongue, and changing the route of administration can affect the drug’s efficacy.
Choice C rationale:
Administering the medication under the client’s tongue is the correct action. Sublingual medications are designed to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the tissues under the tongue, bypassing the digestive system and providing rapid onset of action.
Choice D rationale:
While some medications can be safely switched to oral formulations for NG tube administration, such a change is only necessary when the prescribed route (in this case, sublingual) cannot be used. Without contraindications (e.g., inability to hold the medication under the tongue or mucosal issues), the original sublingual route should be followed.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressant medication that is often used following organ transplant to prevent rejection. Grapefruit juice can increase the absorption of cyclosporine, leading to an increased risk of side effects and toxicity. Therefore, clients taking cyclosporine should be advised to avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking this medication. Pepperoni and smoked salmon do not have any known interactions with cyclosporine. Orange juice may also interact with cyclosporine, but not to the same extent as grapefruit juice. It is generally recommended that clients taking cyclosporine avoid drinking large amounts of orange juice and to inform their healthcare provider if they experience any adverse effects.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Neuromuscular-blocking agents paralyze the muscles, including the respiratory muscles. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that the patient maintains a patent airway and is able to breathe effectively. The nurse should monitor the patient's respiratory rate, depth, and effort, as well as assess for signs of airway obstruction, such as stridor or wheezing.
Skin assessment for rash (option b), blood pressure assessment for orthostatic hypotension (option c), and assessment for fluid volume overload (option d) may also be important assessments for the nurse to obtain, but they are not the most critical assessments when a patient is being treated with a neuromuscular-blocking agent.

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