Before the Nurse Administers a Liquid Medication to an 83-Year-Old

Before the nurse administers a liquid medication to an 83-year-old male patient, the nurse should:

A) assess the swallowing reflex by offering a sip of water.
B) ask the patient if he would prefer to give the medication to himself.
C) mix thoroughly in applesauce or pudding.
D) assess the ability to understand information relative to the medication.