The patient with an NG tube has orders for several enteral drugs (e.g. ,capsules,tablets,and liquids).What should you do before giving these drugs? (select all that apply)

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As with all oral drugs,check the drug orders,which may be written as PO or by feeding tube.Check your drug book or with the pharmacist before crushing tablets or opening capsules.Wash your hands and place the patient upright.Check to make sure that the tube is located in the stomach by withdrawing (aspirating)stomach contents with a syringe,or you can attach an end-tidal carbon dioxide (CO₂)detector to the feeding tube.The presence of carbon dioxide indicates that the tube is in the trachea rather than the stomach.Additionally,if the patient is receiving a tube feeding,check the amount of tube feeding remaining in the stomach (residual).Some drugs are not well absorbed when food is in the stomach (e.g. ,phenytoin [Dilantin]),and the tube feeding must be stopped for a period before and after administration.Liquid drugs should be diluted and flushed through the tube.Crushed tablets and the contents of opened capsules are first dissolved in water before being given through the tube.To give the drugs,attach a large syringe to the tube,pour the liquid or dissolved drug into the syringe,and let it run in by gravity.

The Patient with an NG Tube Has Orders for Several