A client has a gastrostomy tube (GT) in place. The health care provider ordered the medication p.o. What action would be appropriate for the nurse to take?
A) Dilute the p.o. medication with water and administer by GT.
B) Administer the medication p.o. as ordered.
C) Clarify the order with the health care provider who wrote the order.
D) Clarify the order with the charge nurse.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Administering medication through a gastrostomy tube (GT) is not the same as oral administration. Therefore, clarification of the order with the health care provider who wrote the order is necessary to determine if the medication needs to be changed to a form that can be administered through the GT or if the administration method needs to be modified. The nurse should not make assumptions regarding the order or administer the medication without clarification. The charge nurse may be able to provide guidance, but ultimately clarification with the health care provider who wrote the order is necessary. Diluting the medication with water and administering through the GT is not recommended without clarification of the order.

A Client Has a Gastrostomy Tube (GT) in Place