An Older Client Asks Why Sustained-Release Pain Medication Cannot Be

An older client asks why sustained-release pain medication cannot be chewed. How should the nurse respond to this client? Select all that apply.

A) Chewing deactivates the medication.
B) The medication is damaging to the teeth and gums.
C) Chewing destroys their controlled-release properties.
D) The saliva in the mouth breaks the medication down and makes it toxic.
E) Chewing causes a rapid absorption of the entire dose and a possible overdose.