When administering PO medications, the nurse must plan how and when to administer the drug. What is not a factor when planning to administer a PO medication?

Question

1. How long should the infusion last?
2. Can the medication be crushed?
3. Should the medication be given on an empty stomach?
4. Can the medication be split?

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1

Rationale 1: The medication to be administered is oral, not an infusion.
Rationale 2: Whether the medication can be crushed needs to be considered when administering PO medications.
Rationale 3: Whether the medication should be given on an empty stomach needs to be considered when administering PO medications.
Rationale 4: Whether the medication can be split needs to be considered when administering PO medications.

Global Rationale: PO medications are administered orally, not by infusion. Items that should be considered include whether the medication can be crushed; whether it can be taken on an empty stomach, and whether the medication can be split.