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A medical nurse is providing end-of-life care for a patient with metastatic bone cancer. The nurse notes that the patient has been receiving oral analgesics for her pain with adequate effect, but is now having difficulty swallowing the medication. What should the nurse do?

  • A. Request the physician to order analgesics by an alternative route.
  • B. Crush the medication in order to aid swallowing and absorption.
  • C. Administer the patients medication with the meal tray.
  • D. Administer the medication rectally.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Correct Answer: A

Rationale:
1. Requesting the physician to order analgesics by an alternative route is the correct choice as the patient is having difficulty swallowing the medication.
2. Alternative routes could include subcutaneous, intravenous, transdermal, or rectal routes to ensure the patient receives adequate pain relief.
3. Crushing the medication (choice B) may alter the absorption rate and effectiveness of the medication.
4. Administering the medication with the meal tray (choice C) may not address the swallowing issue and could lead to inadequate pain relief.
5. Administering the medication rectally (choice D) is not ideal as it may not be the most appropriate route for analgesics in this situation.