The nurse dilutes an antibiotic before administering it through a patient's nasogastric tube. The patient asks why this is necessary. The nurse explains that diluting the antibiotic helps to

a. improve absorption.
b. improve hydration.
c. prevent diarrhea.
d. prevent emboli.


ANS: C
Liquid medication must be properly diluted when given through a feeding tube because most liquid medications are hyperosmolar and can cause abdominal distention, cramping, vomiting, and diarrhea. Diluting the liquid medication does not change absorption, improve overall hydration, or prevent embolus formation.

Nursing

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Long-term use of external catheters can lead to which complication(s)? (Select all that apply.)

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What is the basic principle of responsibility accounting?

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When assessing the abdomen of a client who has fluid in the peritoneal cavity, the nurse expects what change to occur when the client turns from supine to the left side?

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