A patient is unable to swallow a tablet safely, but the prescription is written for oral administration. Which nursing action best prevents a route-related medication error?
Correct answer: C. Hold the medication and clarify a safe alternative route with the prescriber
- A. Crush the tablet and place it in the patient's mouth
- B. Ask the patient to swallow it with a larger amount of water
- C. Hold the medication and clarify a safe alternative route with the prescriber
- D. Administer it through a feeding tube without checking the formulation
Explanation
The nurse should withhold the dose temporarily and clarify a safe formulation or route because unsafe swallowing creates an aspiration risk. Crushing or giving a tablet through a tube can also be harmful if the formulation is modified-release or otherwise unsuitable.
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About Routes and Safe Medication Administration
Safe medication administration covers oral, sublingual, buccal, topical, inhaled, enteral, intradermal, subcutaneous and intramuscular routes, including their absorption patterns and technique. It also includes medication rights, patient identification, documentation, allergy checks, injection site selection and prevention of errors, with route selection distinguished from dosage calculation.
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