Final answer:
Enteric-coated and time-release tablets should not be crushed or chewed as it would compromise their intended slow release mechanism or protective coating.
Step-by-step explanation:
Enteric-coated tablets and time-release tablets should never be crushed or chewed. These types of tablets are specially formulated to release medication slowly over time or to protect the medication from being destroyed by stomach acids before it reaches the intestines where it can be absorbed. Crushing or chewing them would compromise the tablet's design, leading to either too much medication being released at once or the medication being destroyed by stomach acid, rendering it ineffective.
Learn more about Medication Administration