What should the nurse use when placing medication into a patient’s vaginal canal?

Choice A reason: Crushing pills can alter drug efficacy and safety, especially for medications with controlled-release properties, making this inappropriate without specific provider instructions.

Choice B reason: Requesting a liquid form accommodates the patient’s physical limitations, maintaining therapeutic integrity and ensuring safe and effective medication administration.

Choice C reason: Introducing pills directly into the patient’s mouth risks aspiration and violates safe administration practices, emphasizing the need for alternative methods.

Choice D reason: If the patient struggles to hold the cup, self-administration becomes impractical. Assistance through appropriate alternative forms ensures compliance and safety.

Choice A reason: Assuming patient preference lacks evidence; without asking, this dismisses autonomy, potentially misrepresenting the patient’s comfort with spiritual interventions.

Choice B reason: Endorsing without consent is inappropriate; the patient’s lack of affiliation suggests possible rejection, and this risks imposing unwanted religious activity.

Choice C reason: Doctor’s order isn’t required; prayer is a chaplain’s role, not medical, but patient consent is still needed, making this an unnecessary step.

Choice D reason: Permission respects autonomy; without religious affiliation, the patient may decline, and consent ensures ethical care aligned with individual beliefs.