Author Question: The health care provider prescribes Cardizem SR (diltiazem) for a client with a nasogastric tube. ... (Read 78 times)

CharlieWard · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

The health care provider prescribes Cardizem SR (diltiazem) for a client with a nasogastric tube. When administering this medication by this route, which action by the nurse is the most appropriate?

1. Pouring the liquid inside the capsule into a syringe to administer it via nasogastric tube
2. Crushing the capsule with a mortar and pestle to administer it via nasogastric tube
3. Holding the medication because it cannot be given via nasogastric tube
4. Calling the health care provider and requesting a different medication order

Question 2

The nurse preparing to administer acetaminophen has the option of administering it in liquid, tablet, capsule, caplet, or rectal form.

Which client would cause the nurse to choose the caplet form of the medication for administration?
1. 3-year-old pediatric client
2. Adult client who has difficulty swallowing tablets despite an intact swallowing reflex
3. Older adult client with dysphagia
4. Client whose medications are administered via nasogastric tube

tandmlomax84 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 4
The nurse needs to call the health care provider and request a different medication order, because a medication with the initials SR indicates it is a sustained-release medication, so the capsule cannot be crushed or broken without risking an overdosage. Sustained-release medications are released gradually, providing a longer effectiveness period, resulting in fewer administrations, but breaking the capsule eliminates the prolonged effect and administers the entire dosage at one time. Holding the drug because it cannot be given via nasogastric tube without consulting the health care provider could result in cardiac complications caused by lack of a required medication.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 2
An indication for using caplets are adults who have difficulty swallowing tablets, because caplets slide down more easily, and can often be more easily swallowed. The pediatric client and the client with the nasogastric tube would indicate the need for the liquid form of the drug. The client with dysphagia could require rectal administration.