The client is awake and alert when the nurse brings the oral medication to the client's room.
The nurse will:

Choice A rationale

Directly placing pills in a client's mouth with a gloved hand is generally not recommended as it can be perceived as invasive and may trigger the gag reflex, increasing the risk of aspiration. Client autonomy and active participation in medication administration are promoted for safety and adherence.

Choice B rationale

Tipping pills directly into a client's mouth can be problematic as it does not allow the client to assess the medication, potentially leading to discomfort or aspiration. It also bypasses the client's agency in the medication administration process, which is crucial for safety and compliance.

Choice C rationale

Offering the client the medication in their hand promotes autonomy and allows them to actively participate in the medication administration process. This approach respects client preferences, enhances safety by allowing self-administration, and facilitates the client's ability to examine the medication before ingestion, reducing the risk of errors.

Choice D rationale

Leaving medications unattended on a breakfast tray for later self-administration is a significant safety breach. This practice increases the risk of the medication being taken by another individual, loss or contamination, or incorrect timing of administration, potentially leading to adverse drug events. Direct observation of medication ingestion is essential.