Question

A pharmacist is performing a final check on a new prescription for a patient with a nasogastric tube. The prescription label reads: Lotensin 10 mg #60 Take one tablet via NG tube daily. What is CORRECT for administration of this dose through a nasogastric tube?

1) Crush the tablet and mix it with water before administering it through the nasogastric tube.
2) Administer the tablet directly through the nasogastric tube without crushing it.
3) Dissolve the tablet in a small amount of water before administering it through the nasogastric tube.
4) Administer the tablet orally instead of through the nasogastric tube.

Answer 1

To administer a dose of Lotensin through a nasogastric tube, the tablet should be crushed and dissolved in a small amount of water before administering it through the tube.

Step-by-step explanation:

To administer a dose of Lotensin through a nasogastric tube, the tablet should be crushed and dissolved in a small amount of water before administering it through the tube. This is because the nasogastric tube is smaller in diameter than the esophagus and cannot handle intact tablets. Crushing and dissolving the tablet will ensure that it can pass through the tube easily and reach the patient's stomach.