An older adult client who recently suffered a mild stroke is having difficulty swallowing solid foods. The medication administration record includes a scheduled dose of enteric-coated pantoprazole. When the client requests that the pill be crushed, what is the best response by the practical nurse?
- AI can crush the pill and mix it with a spoonful of pudding to make it easier to swallow.
- BI will give you the pill with a full glass of water and have you tilt your head back to swallow.
- I will contact the registered nurse to see if we can get this medication in a different form.Answer
- DI can skip this dose for now and wait until your swallowing improves later today.
Answer
The practical nurse should explain that the medication cannot be crushed and contact the registered nurse to request an alternative formulation.
Enteric-coated medications are designed to dissolve in the alkaline environment of the intestines rather than the acidic environment of the stomach. Crushing these pills destroys the protective coating, which can lead to stomach irritation or the destruction of the medication by stomach acid. The nurse must recognize this strict contraindication and collaborate with the registered nurse or healthcare provider to obtain a safe, alternative formulation for a client experiencing dysphagia.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Medication Administration Safety: Enteric-Coated Formulations