The nurse is teaching an elderly patient with difficulty swallowing about his medications. Which explanation by the nurse is most helpful?
a. "Enteric coated tablets can be crushed and taken with applesauce."
b. "Tablets that are scored can be broken in half."
c. "Medications labeled ‘SR' can be crushed."
d. "Avoid taking medications in liquid form."
ANS: B
It is acceptable to break scored tablets in half to facilitate swallowing of the medication. Enteric coated tables should never be crushed because of the effect on the absorption rate and potential for toxicity. Medications labeled "SR" indicate "sustained release" and should not be crushed because of the effect on the absorption rate. Medication in liquid form may be easier to swallow.
You might also like to view...
The school nurse is conducting health education classes for a group of adolescents. Which statement best describes a secondary sexual characteristic?
a. Maturation of ova b. Production of sperm c. Female breast development d. Secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone
A community health nurse is learning about the REACH initiative and has decided to implement community education on the following topics that relate to this approach
1. Child and adult immunizations 2. Cardiovascular disease 3. Chronic lower respiratory disease 4. Stroke 5. Infant mortality
All of the following are environmental risk factors for falls except
A) poor lighting. B) balance problems. C) unstable furniture. D) loose rugs.
The elbows are bent at a 45-degree angle when forearm crutches are used
Indicate whether the statement is true or false