A nurse is preparing to administer enteric-coated aspirin to an older adult client who had a cerebrovascular accident and has difficulty swallowing medications.
The client asks the nurse if she will crush the medication to make it easier to swallow.
Which of the following responses should the nurse make?.
"If I crush it, you might experience a stomach ache or indigestion.”
"I will crush it and mix it in some ice cream for you.”.
"That would release all the medication at once, rather than over time.”.
"Stomach acid will inactivate some of the medication if I crush the medication.”.
The Correct Answer is A
Enteric-coated aspirin is designed to dissolve in the intestines rather than the stomach to reduce gastrointestinal irritation. Crushing the medication would destroy the coating, causing the aspirin to be released in the stomach, which could lead to side effects like stomach ache or indigestion.
- A. "If I crush it, you might experience a stomach ache or indigestion.”: This is accurate, as crushing the enteric coating would expose the stomach to aspirin, increasing the risk of irritation or ulceration.
- B. "I will crush it and mix it in some ice cream for you.”: This is incorrect, as crushing enteric-coated aspirin is not recommended due to the loss of the protective coating.
- C. "That would release all the medication at once, rather than over time.”: This is incorrect, as enteric-coated aspirin is not a time-release formulation; the coating is for stomach protection, not controlled release.
- D. "Stomach acid will inactivate some of the medication if I crush the medication.”: This is incorrect, as stomach acid does not significantly inactivate aspirin, but rather the concern is increased gastric irritation.
The best response is A, as it correctly explains the risk of crushing the enteric-coated aspirin.
Final Answer: A. "If I crush it, you might experience a stomach ache or indigestion.”
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Propranolol is a beta-blocker and does not typically cause a cough. This is more common with ACE inhibitors.
Choice B rationale:
Propranolol can cause dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position. So, it’s important to sit on the side of the bed before standing up.
Choice C rationale:
Propranolol can lower heart rate, but a heart rate greater than 70/min is normal and not a reason to stop taking the medication.
Choice D rationale:
While regular weight monitoring is important for patients taking medications that can cause fluid retention, propranolol is not typically associated with this side effect.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Applying pressure to the tragus of the ear can help move the liquid in deeper. Therefore, this statement is incorrect.
Choice B rationale:
For adults, the pinna should be pulled upward and backward to straighten the ear canal. Therefore, this statement is correct.
Choice C rationale:
Sterile gloves are not necessary when administering ear drops. Therefore, this statement is incorrect.
Choice D rationale:
Ear drops should be at room temperature. If they’re too cold or hot, they can make you feel dizzy and disoriented. Therefore, this statement is incorrect.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.