The patient is receiving a sustained-release capsule for his cardiac condition. The patient tells the nurse there is no way he can swallow such a large pill. What is the best response by the nurse?
1. "Withhold the medication and contact the physician."
2. "Place the capsule on the back of the patient's tongue, and have him drink a full glass of water."
3. "Open the capsule and sprinkle the contents over applesauce."
4. "Encourage the patient to try and swallow the capsule because it is the best medication for his heart condition."
Correct Answer: 1
Rationale: The only option is to contact the physician. Several sustained-release medications cannot be opened and sprinkled on food. Placing the capsule on the back of the patient's tongue and having him drink a full glass of water may cause the patient to aspirate the capsule and/or the water. Encouraging the patient to try to swallow the capsule is coercive, and may result in the patient choking on the medication.
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