The nurse is caring for a client who is taking benzonatate (Tessalon) for a cough. The client accidentally bites into one of the gelcaps prior to swallowing it. What should the nurse do next?
1. Call the physician and complete a variance report.
2. Explain that the client might experience numbness of the tongue.
3. Assess blood pressure frequently for the next hour.
4. Explain that the client is likely to become very nauseated.
Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: In most facilities, this would be unnecessary.
Rationale 2: Tessalon contains a local anesthetic, and numbness of the tongue will occur but will be temporary.
Rationale 3: Tessalon does not affect blood pressure.
Rationale 4: Severe nausea is unlikely.
Global Rationale: Chemically related to the local anesthetic tetracaine (Pontocaine), benzonatate suppresses the cough reflex by anesthetizing stretch receptors in the lungs. If chewed, this drug can cause numbing of the mouth and pharynx. Variance report is not indicated, tessalon does not affect blood pressure, and nausea is unlikely.
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