Oral And Enteral Medication Administration

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NCLEX-PN › Oral And Enteral Medication Administration

Questions 1 - 10
1

A 82-year-old client with a G-tube is receiving continuous enteral feeding. The nurse plans to administer liquid medication via the tube; the head of bed is currently at 15 degrees, and the client has a history of aspiration pneumonia. Which action should the nurse take PRIOR to administering the medication?

Raise the head of bed to at least 30–45 degrees

Clamp the tube for 8 hours after giving the medication

Lower the head of bed to reduce reflux during medication administration

Ask the client to take deep breaths and cough during medication instillation

Explanation

This question tests safe medication administration practices for enteral medications in clients with aspiration history. Key safety considerations for oral and enteral routes include proper positioning to prevent reflux and aspiration. Raising the head of bed to at least 30–45 degrees ensures client safety and effective medication delivery by reducing aspiration risk during administration. Lowering the bed increases reflux; clamping for 8 hours is excessive; deep breaths may not help. A fundamental nursing principle is to elevate the head during enteral procedures. Another principle is to maintain elevation for 30-60 minutes post-administration. A strategy for ensuring safe medication administration is to adhere to the rights of medication administration, including right positioning for safety.

2

A 57-year-old client with hypertension is ordered nifedipine extended-release 30 mg PO daily. The client states, “I can’t swallow big pills—can you crush it?” Vital signs are BP 154/90 mm Hg and HR 76/min; no allergies are reported. Which action should the nurse take PRIOR to administering the medication?

Request an alternative formulation or medication because extended-release tablets should not be crushed

Crush the tablet and mix it with applesauce to make swallowing easier

Open the tablet and dissolve the contents in hot water

Tell the client to chew the tablet slowly to prevent choking

Explanation

This question tests safe medication administration practices for extended-release medications in clients with swallowing issues. Key safety considerations for oral and enteral routes include not crushing formulations that alter release. Requesting an alternative formulation or medication because extended-release tablets should not be crushed ensures client safety and effective medication delivery by maintaining controlled release and preventing overdose. Crushing with applesauce risks rapid release; chewing is inappropriate; dissolving in hot water is not standard. A fundamental nursing principle is to check 'do not crush' lists for safety. Another principle is to assess client preferences and abilities for adherence. A strategy for ensuring safe medication administration is to adhere to the rights of medication administration, including right client education on alternatives.

3

A 74-year-old client with a G-tube for dysphagia is prescribed potassium chloride liquid 20 mEq via G-tube daily. The tube is patent; the client’s potassium is 3.0 mEq/L and creatinine is 1.0 mg/dL; continuous feeding is paused for medications. Which action should the nurse take PRIOR to administering the medication?

Mix the potassium into the formula to prevent irritation

Ask the provider to change to an extended-release tablet for better absorption

Administer the potassium undiluted to reduce the total volume in the stomach

Dilute the liquid medication with water and flush the tube before and after

Explanation

This question tests safe medication administration practices for electrolyte supplements via enteral tubes. Key safety considerations for oral and enteral routes include dilution to prevent irritation and flushing for patency. Diluting the liquid medication with water and flushing the tube before and after ensures client safety and effective medication delivery by minimizing gastrointestinal irritation from concentrated potassium. Administering undiluted risks burns; mixing with formula may cause incompatibility; extended-release is not suitable for tubes. A fundamental nursing principle is to dilute irritants like potassium chloride for safe administration. Another principle is to monitor electrolytes post-dose for therapeutic effect. A strategy for ensuring safe medication administration is to adhere to the rights of medication administration, including right preparation technique.

4

A 64-year-old client with hypertension and type 2 diabetes is prescribed lisinopril 10 mg PO daily. The client’s allergies include sulfonamides; current vital signs are BP 92/58 mm Hg, HR 78/min, RR 16/min, and SpO2 97% on room air. Which action should the nurse take PRIOR to administering the medication?

Give the medication with grapefruit juice to improve effectiveness

Hold the medication and notify the provider of the low blood pressure

Ask the UAP to obtain orthostatic vital signs after the dose is given

Administer the medication and recheck the blood pressure in 4 hours

Explanation

This question tests safe medication administration practices for antihypertensive medications via the oral route. Key safety considerations for oral and enteral routes include monitoring vital signs and assessing for contraindications like hypotension before dosing. Holding the medication and notifying the provider of the low blood pressure ensures client safety and effective medication delivery by preventing further hypotension or adverse events from the ACE inhibitor. Administering despite low BP risks exacerbation; giving with grapefruit juice can dangerously increase drug levels; delegating orthostatic checks post-dose neglects pre-administration assessment. A fundamental nursing principle is to withhold medications if parameters like blood pressure fall below safe thresholds to avoid harm. Another principle is to recognize that conditions like diabetes may heighten risks of hypotension with antihypertensives. A strategy for ensuring safe medication administration is to adhere to the rights of medication administration, including right assessment of client status before giving the dose.

5

A 70-year-old client with dysphagia following a stroke receives medications via G-tube. New orders include phenytoin 100 mg via G-tube three times daily; continuous tube feeding is running at 55 mL/hr, and the tube is patent with gastric residual 10 mL. Which action should the nurse take PRIOR to administering the medication?

Ask the provider to discontinue tube feedings because they are incompatible with all medications

Mix the medication into the feeding bag to ensure even distribution throughout the day

Stop the tube feeding 1–2 hours before the dose and flush the tube per policy

Increase the feeding rate to make up for time lost during medication administration

Explanation

This question tests safe medication administration practices for anticonvulsants via enteral tubes with continuous feedings. Key safety considerations for oral and enteral routes include managing drug-feeding interactions and maintaining therapeutic levels. Stopping the tube feeding 1–2 hours before the dose and flushing the tube per policy ensures client safety and effective medication delivery by preventing phenytoin binding to formula, which reduces absorption. Mixing into the feeding bag risks inconsistent dosing; increasing the rate compensates inappropriately; discontinuing feedings ignores nutritional needs. A fundamental nursing principle is to hold enteral nutrition around phenytoin administration to optimize bioavailability. Another principle is to monitor for subtherapeutic levels if interactions occur, adjusting as needed. A strategy for ensuring safe medication administration is to adhere to the rights of medication administration, including right documentation of feeding pauses.

6

A 62-year-old client is being discharged after a hypertensive urgency and is prescribed new medications: losartan 50 mg PO daily and amlodipine 5 mg PO daily. The client reports taking lisinopril 20 mg PO daily at home and has no known drug allergies; today’s BP is 128/76 mm Hg. Which action should the nurse take PRIOR to administering the first discharge dose in the facility?

Administer all three antihypertensives to ensure blood pressure stays controlled

Tell the client to stop all blood pressure medications if dizziness occurs

Verify the home medication list and clarify with the provider whether lisinopril should be discontinued

Ask the pharmacy to substitute losartan with an over-the-counter medication

Explanation

This question tests safe medication administration practices for discharge planning with antihypertensives. Key safety considerations for oral and enteral routes include reconciling home medications to avoid duplications. Verifying the home medication list and clarifying with the provider whether lisinopril should be discontinued ensures client safety and effective medication delivery by preventing additive effects from similar drug classes. Administering all three risks hypotension; telling to stop if dizzy is unsafe self-management; substituting without order is inappropriate. A fundamental nursing principle is to perform medication reconciliation at transitions of care. Another principle is to educate on potential interactions between ACE inhibitors and ARBs. A strategy for ensuring safe medication administration is to adhere to the rights of medication administration, including right documentation of home meds.

7

A 63-year-old client is prescribed warfarin 5 mg PO daily for atrial fibrillation. After several doses, the client reports bleeding gums when brushing teeth; vital signs are BP 118/72 mm Hg, HR 80/min, and the most recent INR is 4.2. What should the nurse MONITOR after administering the medication?

For signs of bleeding and notify the provider of the elevated INR

For pupil constriction as an expected effect

For increased urine output within 30 minutes

For improved lung sounds after the dose

Explanation

This question tests safe medication administration practices for anticoagulants like warfarin. Key safety considerations for oral and enteral routes include monitoring for bleeding and lab values post-dose. Monitoring for signs of bleeding and notifying the provider of the elevated INR ensures client safety and effective medication delivery by addressing supratherapeutic effects promptly. Urine output is unrelated; lung sounds are not primary; pupil constriction is irrelevant. A fundamental nursing principle is to assess coagulation studies regularly for dose adjustments. Another principle is to educate on signs of bleeding like gum issues. A strategy for ensuring safe medication administration is to adhere to the rights of medication administration, including right evaluation of therapeutic response.

8

A 76-year-old client with dysphagia has a G-tube and receives bolus feedings at 0800, 1200, 1600, and 2000. At 1200, the nurse checks gastric residual and obtains 275 mL; bowel sounds are present and the client reports nausea. Which finding requires IMMEDIATE intervention when administering enteral feedings?

Client requests oral ice chips for dry mouth

Bowel sounds present in all four quadrants

Gastric residual volume of 275 mL with nausea

Feeding scheduled every 4 hours

Explanation

This question tests safe medication administration practices for enteral feedings in clients with dysphagia. Key safety considerations for oral and enteral routes include checking residuals and symptoms of intolerance to prevent aspiration. A gastric residual volume of 275 mL with nausea requires immediate intervention as it indicates delayed emptying and aspiration risk. Present bowel sounds are expected; requesting ice chips is inappropriate for NPO status; scheduled feedings are standard. A fundamental nursing principle is to withhold feedings if residuals exceed policy thresholds, typically 200-250 mL, and notify the provider. Another principle is to reassess frequently for signs of gastrointestinal distress. A strategy for ensuring safe medication administration is to adhere to the rights of medication administration, including right assessment of tolerance before proceeding.

9

A 75-year-old client with a G-tube for dysphagia is receiving bolus feedings. During a feeding, the client begins coughing and has wet-sounding respirations; SpO2 drops from 96% to 90% on room air. Which finding requires IMMEDIATE intervention when administering enteral feedings?

Small amount of formula noted in the tubing after the feeding

Client reports mild fullness near the end of the bolus feeding

Coughing with wet respirations and a drop in oxygen saturation during feeding

Feeding bag labeled with date and time prepared

Explanation

This question tests safe medication administration practices for enteral feedings with aspiration risk. Key safety considerations for oral and enteral routes include monitoring respiratory status during infusion. Coughing with wet respirations and a drop in oxygen saturation during feeding requires immediate intervention as it suggests aspiration, which can lead to pneumonia. Mild fullness is tolerable; residual formula in tubing is normal; proper labeling prevents errors. A fundamental nursing principle is to stop feedings immediately if aspiration signs appear. Another principle is to position clients upright during and after feedings. A strategy for ensuring safe medication administration is to adhere to the rights of medication administration, including right monitoring of tolerance.

10

A 69-year-old client with hypertension is to receive metoprolol tartrate 25 mg PO twice daily. Current vital signs are BP 138/84 mm Hg and apical pulse 48/min; the client denies dizziness. Which action should the nurse take PRIOR to administering the medication?

Ask the provider to double the dose to better control blood pressure

Administer the medication because the blood pressure is elevated

Hold the medication and notify the provider of bradycardia

Give the medication and encourage the client to ambulate to raise the pulse

Explanation

This question tests safe medication administration practices for beta-blockers in clients with bradycardia. Key safety considerations for oral and enteral routes include checking apical pulse before dosing. Holding the medication and notifying the provider of bradycardia ensures client safety and effective medication delivery by preventing further heart rate suppression. Administering risks worsening bradycardia; encouraging ambulation is unsafe; doubling the dose ignores the issue. A fundamental nursing principle is to hold beta-blockers if heart rate is below 50-60 beats per minute. Another principle is to assess for symptoms like dizziness that may indicate hemodynamic instability. A strategy for ensuring safe medication administration is to adhere to the rights of medication administration, including right verification of vital signs.

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