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.
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.
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