An emergency department nurse enters a patient's room with an order to administer epinephrine subcutaneously to treat his asthma attack. The patient's wife asks the nurse why it could not be given by mouth
Which of the following is the best response by the nurse? A) "The medication he is to receive is only given by an injection in the arm."
B) "The medication is administered this way because it works faster than by mouth."
C) "The medication is given many ways, but this is the way it was ordered."
D) "The medication will not absorb in the GI tract if given by mouth."
D
Feedback:
Epinephrine is not given orally because enzymes in the GI tract and liver destroy it. The medication can be given through inhalation, intravenously, and subcutaneously. The medication will work more quickly in a parenteral form but is not given orally. Stating to the patient that this method is the way the physician ordered it to be given will belittle the patient and not provide adequate patient teaching.
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