A nurse is planning to administer medications to an older adult client who has dysphagia. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
A.
Place the medications on the back of the client’s tongue.
B.
Tilt the client’s head back when administering the medications.
C.
Administer more than one pill to the client at a time.
D.
Mix the medications with a semisolid food for the client.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is:
D. Mix the medications with a semisolid food for the client.
Explanation:
Administering medications to an older adult client with dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) requires careful consideration to prevent aspiration, ensure proper absorption of the medication, and maintain the safety of the client. Dysphagia, common in older adults due to neurological or muscular issues, increases the risk of choking or aspiration if medications are not administered properly.
Option D: Mixing medications with a semisolid food such as applesauce or pudding can help ease the swallowing process. Semisolid foods provide enough texture to allow the client to control the swallowing motion better, thus reducing the risk of aspiration. However, it’s essential for the nurse to check whether each medication can be crushed and mixed with food, as certain medications should not be altered due to extended-release formulations or coating that protect the stomach.
Option A: Placing the medications on the back of the client’s tongue is not recommended. This method may increase the risk of choking, as the client may not have enough time to control the swallow reflex. It can also lead to gagging or coughing.
Option B: Tilting the client’s head back can be dangerous for someone with dysphagia. This position opens the airway more widely, which increases the risk of the medication or food entering the airway (aspiration), potentially leading to pneumonia or other complications.
Option C: Administering more than one pill at a time is not advisable. It overwhelms the client’s ability to control the swallowing process, particularly in clients with dysphagia, and can significantly increase the risk of choking or aspiration.
In conclusion, the safest and most effective option for a client with dysphagia is to mix the medications with a semisolid food, provided that the medications can safely be crushed. This method improves swallowing control and reduces the risk of aspiration, ensuring the client receives the medication safely.