The nurse is preparing to administer a chewable tablet to a preschool-age child. The child's parent reports always crushing the tablet and mixing it with pudding when giving it at home. What is the nurse's next action?
Ask the pharmacist if the drug may be crushed.
Crush the tablet and mix it with pudding.
Insist that the tablet must be chewed as ordered.
Request a liquid form of the medication from the pharmacy.
The Correct Answer is A
a) The safest action is to consult the pharmacist to determine if the chewable tablet can be crushed without affecting its efficacy or safety. Some chewable tablets must be chewed for proper absorption, while others may be safely crushed.
b) Crushing the tablet without verifying its safety could alter the drug's effectiveness or cause adverse effects, so it should not be done without confirmation.
c) Insisting that the tablet be chewed disregards the child’s potential difficulty with chewing, which may lead to refusal or improper administration.
d) Requesting a liquid form could be an alternative, but it is not the immediate next step. Some medications may not be available in liquid form, so checking with the pharmacist first is the appropriate action.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Washing hands before handling medications is essential for infection control but is not the priority action in this scenario. Ensuring drug compatibility is crucial to prevent adverse interactions.
B. When administering two drugs simultaneously, the nurse’s priority is to determine if they are compatible, particularly for IV medications. Some medications can precipitate or cause harmful interactions when mixed, leading to reduced efficacy or adverse effects. Consulting a drug guide ensures safe administration.
C. Checking for drug allergies is important before giving any medication, but it is not the priority in this specific situation. Compatibility must be assessed first to ensure the drugs can be given together safely.
D. Identifying the patient is always necessary for safe medication administration, but in this case, ensuring drug compatibility is the first step before proceeding with administration. If the drugs are incompatible, the nurse must take alternative actions before giving them to the patient.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
a) Herbs are not classified as medications under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994. The law classifies them as dietary supplements, which are not subject to the same rigorous safety and efficacy standards as medications.
b) Discussing herbal remedies with the patient's provider is essential. Herbs can interact with prescribed medications, and their safety and effectiveness can vary. It is important for providers to be aware of any herbal remedies the patient is using to avoid potential harmful interactions.
c) Herbs are not regulated by the government in the same way as pharmaceuticals. The FDA does not determine their safety before marketing, and manufacturers are not required to prove safety or efficacy before selling them.
d) Herbs are not harmless. Some herbs may be ineffective, but others can cause adverse effects, especially when taken alongside other medications. Therefore, it's important to consider their safety in the context of the patient’s overall treatment plan.
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