Question

A nurse is caring for four clients for whom she has to administer

oral medications in the morning. The nurse should administer which of
the following medications before breakfast?

(A) Alendronate
(B) Digoxin
(C) Mycostatin mouthwash
(D) Divalproex

Answer 1

Alendronate should be administered before breakfast because it needs to be absorbed on an empty stomach. The other medications mentioned do not require administration before eating.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should administer alendronate before breakfast. Alendronate is a bisphosphonate used to treat or prevent osteoporosis and should be taken on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before the first food, beverage, or medication of the day, to ensure adequate absorption and effectiveness. It is also recommended to be taken with a full glass of water. The other medications listed do not have specific requirements to be taken before meals. In fact, digoxin usually requires plasma concentration monitoring, and food can slow down the rate but not the extent of absorption, so it may be preferable to consistently take it with or without food based on individual patient instructions. Mycostatin mouthwash doesn’t need to be taken in relation to meals, and divalproex may be preferred with food to decrease gastrointestinal side effects.