A patient is to receive a proton pump inhibitor through a nasogastric (NG) feeding tube. Which is the most important nursing action to ensure effective absorption?
a. Thoroughly shake the medication before administering.
b. Position patient in the supine position for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
c. Hold feeding for at least 30 minutes after medication administration.
d. Flush tube with 10 to 15 mL of water, after all medications are administered.
ANS: C
If a medication needs to be given on an empty stomach or is not compatible with the feeding (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine [Tegretol], warfarin [Coumadin], fluoroquinolones, proton pump inhibitors), hold the feeding for at least 30 minutes before or 30 minutes after medication administration. Thoroughly shaking the medication mixes the medication before administration but does not affect absorption. Flushing the tube after all medications should be 30 to 60 mL of water; 15 to 30 mL of water is used for flushing between medications. Patients with NG tubes should never be positioned supine but instead should be positioned at least to a 30-degree angle to prevent aspiration, provided no contraindication condition is known.
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Convert 8% to a proper fraction reduced to its lowest terms: _____________
Fill in the blank(s) with correct word