A patient is very restless and agitated near the end of life, and the physician orders haloperidol (Haldol) by mouth. However, the patient coughs and chokes every time foods or fluids are offered. Which action should the nurse take?
a. Crush the medication, and mix it with applesauce.
b. Hold the medication until the patient is more alert and able to swallow.
c. Ask the physician for an order to administer the Haldol intramuscularly.
d. Dissolve the medication in a small amount of water, and administer it with an oral syringe.
ANS: C
The patient will benefit from sedation, and the Haldol can be effectively administered by injection. A D. Crushing the medication, mixing it with applesauce, or dissolving the medication in water and providing it through a syringe will not prevent aspiration. B. Withholding the medication will not help the patient's restlessness.
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