Select the best nursing action when administering irritating oral drugs.
A) Withhold the medication and notify the healthcare provider.
B) Break the oral medication in half and have the patient/client take two halves separately.
C) Obtain the liquid form of the medication and add 5 to 10 mL of water to the cup.
D) Administer the medication with a meal or snack.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Administer irritating oral drugs along with meals or a snack to decrease gastric irritation. Only a scored tablet can be broken in half. When a patient/client cannot swallow capsules or tablets, the physician should be notified to order a liquid medication or the nurse should check with the pharmacist. After the patient/client has taken a liquid antacid, add 5 to 10 mL water to the cup, mix, and have the patient/client drink it.

Select the Best Nursing Action When Administering Irritating Oral Drugs