NURS 3100 Exam 1 Practice

What response should the nurse give if a patient cannot swallow a sustained-release capsule for a cardiac condition?

1. Open the capsule and sprinkle the contents over some applesauce

2. Contact the physician to see if a change can be made

3. Suggest placing the capsule on the back of the tongue and drinking water

4. Advise trying to swallow the capsule as is

The correct answer is: Contact the physician to see if a change can be made

If a patient cannot swallow a sustained-release capsule for a cardiac condition, the most appropriate response for the nurse to give is to contact the physician to see if a change can be made. It is crucial to involve the physician in decisions regarding alterations to medication administration, especially when it comes to changing the formulation of the medication in question. This ensures that the patient receives the appropriate dosage in a safe and effective manner, as the physician can determine an alternative that is suitable for the patient's condition. It is always best practice for the nurse to collaborate with the healthcare team in situations like this to ensure the best outcome for the patient. Options A, C, and D are not the best courses of action in this scenario. Opening the sustained-release capsule and sprinkling the contents over applesauce may alter the intended mechanism of the medication. Placing the capsule on the back of the tongue and drinking water may not be effective for a sustained-release capsule, and advising the patient to try to swallow the capsule as is could potentially lead to the patient experiencing difficulty or possible harm. Therefore, these options are not as appropriate as contacting the physician for further guidance and potential medication adjustment.