NURS 3100 Exam 1 Practice

What is an advantage of oral medication discussed by the nurse to a patient used to IV medications in the hospital?

1. The oral route is considered the second safest route, after the intradermal route.

2. Tablets that are scored may be crushed for easier swallowing.

3. Enteric-coated drugs should be crushed to help facilitate dissolving by the stomach acid.

4. A major disadvantage of oral medications is that the patient must be conscious and able to swallow.

The correct answer is: Tablets that are scored may be crushed for easier swallowing.

Option B is correct because tablets that are scored can be crushed for easier swallowing. This can be particularly beneficial for patients who have difficulty swallowing whole tablets. By crushing scored tablets, patients can have an easier time taking their medications, which can improve adherence to their treatment regimen. In contrast, option A is inaccurate because the intradermal route is not commonly used for medication administration. Option C is incorrect because enteric-coated drugs should not be crushed as this can interfere with their intended release and absorption in the digestive system. Option D is not accurate because while patients need to be conscious to take oral medications, it is not considered a major disadvantage as compared to the benefits of oral medication administration.