Final answer:
The nurse should contact the healthcare provider before administering a Cardizem SR tablet through a gastrostomy tube. The correct answer is option A).
Step-by-step explanation:
In preparing medications for a client with a gastrostomy tube, the nurse should contact the health care provider before administering a Cardizem SR tablet (diltiazem). Cardizem SR is an example of a calcium channel blocker and the SR designation means it is a sustained-release medication, which is designed to be released slowly over time.
Sustained-release tablets should not be crushed as this can lead to a rapid release of the drug and potentially cause an overdose or other adverse effects. Therefore, it is important that the nurse contacts the healthcare provider to potentially obtain an alternative formulation that is safe for administration through a gastrostomy tube.
In contrast, Lanoxin liquid (digoxin) and Tylenol liquid (acetaminophen) are already in forms suitable for gastrostomy tube administration, and an Os-cal tablet (calcium carbonate) may sometimes be crushed and administered with caution if a liquid form is not available.