A resident in a long-term care facility reports difficulty ...

[nramada]

A resident in a long-term care facility reports difficulty swallowing enteric coated aspirin and asks the nurse to crush it prior to administration. The most appropriate action for the nurse to take is to
 
  a. crush the tablet and mix with applesauce.
  b. encourage the resident to swallow the tablet with a full glass of water.
  c. hold the medication and notify the physician.
  d. substitute a regular aspirin for the enteric coated tablet.

Question 2

The nurse is teaching an elderly patient with difficulty swallowing about his medications. Which explanation by the nurse is most helpful?
 
  a. Enteric coated tablets can be crushed and taken with applesauce.
  b. Tablets that are scored can be broken in half.
  c. Medications labeled SR' can be crushed.
  d. Avoid taking medications in liquid form.

[trampas]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
The medication should be held and the physician notified. The physician has the authority to determine how to proceed in this situation. Enteric coated tablets should not be crushed because this will increase the absorption rate and the potential for toxicity. Geriatric patients may have difficulty swallowing and are at risk for choking and aspiration. They should not be encouraged to swallow medications if they report difficulty swallowing. The physician must determine if a substitution can be ordered. Prescribing is not in the nurse's scope of practice.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
It is acceptable to break scored tablets in half to facilitate swallowing of the medication. Enteric coated tables should never be crushed because of the effect on the absorption rate and potential for toxicity. Medications labeled SR indicate sustained release and should not be crushed because of the effect on the absorption rate. Medication in liquid form may be easier to swallow.

[nramada]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[helenmarkerine]

Excellent