The physician orders enteric-coated aspirin, 300 mg every day, ...

[sammy]

The physician orders enteric-coated aspirin, 300 mg every day, for the patient with a nasogastric tube. What is the priority action by the nurse?
 
  1. Crush the tablet, dissolve it in 30 mL of water, and administer through the tube.
  2. Put the tablet in the tube, milk it down the tube, and then flush the tube with 60 mL of water.
  3. Withhold the medication and contact the physician.
  4. Substitute plain aspirin, dissolve it in 30 mL of water, and administer through the tube.

Question 2

The patient is receiving a sustained-release capsule for his cardiac condition. The patient tells the nurse there is no way he can swallow such a large pill. What is the best response by the nurse?
 
  1. Withhold the medication and contact the physician.
  2. Place the capsule on the back of the patient's tongue, and have him drink a full glass of water.
  3. Open the capsule and sprinkle the contents over applesauce.
  4. Encourage the patient to try and swallow the capsule because it is the best medication for his heart condition.

[aruss1303]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale: The only option is to withhold the medication and contact the physician. Crushing the tablet destroys the enteric coating. Putting the tablet in the tube will result in clogging of the tube. The nurse cannot substitute plain aspirin; this requires a physician's order.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1
Rationale: The only option is to contact the physician. Several sustained-release medications cannot be opened and sprinkled on food. Placing the capsule on the back of the patient's tongue and having him drink a full glass of water may cause the patient to aspirate the capsule and/or the water. Encouraging the patient to try to swallow the capsule is coercive, and may result in the patient choking on the medication.

[sammy]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[matt95]

TYSM