Certified Medical Assistant (CMA AAMA)PharmacologyHard
A medical assistant is preparing to administer an oral medication to an elderly patient who has difficulty swallowing pills. Which of the following actions is most appropriate?
- AInstruct the patient to hold the pill under their tongue until it dissolves.
- BCrush the pill and mix it with applesauce without consulting the physician.
- COffer the patient a glass of water and encourage them to try swallowing the pill whole.
- DCheck if the medication is available in a liquid form or can be crushed, and then consult the physician.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Check if the medication is available in a liquid form or can be crushed, and then consult the physician.
Before altering any medication (crushing, dissolving, or giving in a different form), it is crucial to verify if it is safe and appropriate to do so. Many medications are extended-release or enteric-coated and crushing them can be dangerous. Consulting the physician is essential after checking available formulations.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This describes sublingual administration, which is only appropriate for specific medications designed for that route, and would be unsafe for a standard oral pill.
- B. Crushing pills without knowing if it's safe can alter drug release, leading to overdose or ineffectiveness. This is unsafe.
- C. While offering water is good, simply encouraging them to try again doesn't address the underlying difficulty and may not be sufficient.
Medication Administration for Dysphagia
When a patient has difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), alternative medication forms or administration methods must be considered, but always with caution and physician approval to ensure safety and efficacy.
- Never crush or alter medications without verification.
- Consult pharmacist or drug reference for crushability.
- Liquid forms, chewables, or dissolvable tablets are alternatives.
- Physician's order is always required for changes.
Memory trick: Difficulty Down? Doctor's Decision!