The nurse is caring for a client who is taking benzonatate (Tessalon)for a cough.The client accidentally bites into one of the gelcaps prior to swallowing it.What should the nurse do next?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Benzonatate is a local anesthetic that can cause numbness or tingling in the mouth and throat. The nurse should explain to the client that biting into the gelcap may have intensified this effect, causing numbness of the tongue. The client may need reassurance that this is a normal side effect and will resolve on its own. However, if the client experiences difficulty breathing or swallowing, or if the numbness spreads beyond the mouth and throat, immediate medical attention is needed. The other options, such as calling the physician and completing a variance report, assessing blood pressure, or warning the client about nausea, are not indicated in this situation.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Client Who Is Taking