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 D
Explanation
Metronidazole is an antibiotic that is effective against anaerobic bacteria and protozoa. It is not effective against Gram-negative bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Klebsiella, nor is it effective against fungi such as Candida. However, it is the drug of choice for the treatment of Trichomoniasis vaginalis, a common sexually transmited infection caused by a protozoan parasite. Therefore, the nurse should include in the teaching that metronidazole is indicated for the treatment of Trichomoniasis vaginalis.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
BUN stands for Blood Urea Nitrogen, and it is a laboratory test that measures the amount of nitrogen in the blood that comes from urea, which is a waste product of protein metabolism. Elevated BUN levels indicate impaired kidney function. Amphotericin B is known to be potentially nephrotoxic, which means that it can cause damage to the kidneys. Therefore, the nurse should report an elevated BUN level to the provider before initiating the medication to ensure the safety of the client. Potassium, glucose, and sodium levels are within normal range and do not require intervention in this scenario.
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