The nurse needs to administer enteric-coated aspirin (Ecotrin)to the patient.The available aspirin is in a stock container on the unit because the pharmacy does not carry enteric-coated aspirin.Which is the best nursing approach for this situation?

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The best choice for the nurse is to withhold the medication and notify the provider that enteric-coated aspirin (Ecotrin)is not available.The purpose of administering enteric-coated aspirin is to decrease gastric upset and complications; thus uncoated aspirin is an unsuitable substitute.The nurse needs another order to administer nonenteric-coated aspirin.The nurse pours tablets from any stock container without touching them to maintain infection control.If enteric-coated aspirin is crushed,the tablet loses its protective coating and increases the risk of patient injury and gastric distress.Aspirin is not the same medication as enteric-coated aspirin and thus cannot be administered to the patient.

The Nurse Needs to Administer Enteric-Coated Aspirin (Ecotrin)to the Patient