HESI Pediatric Practice Exam Related

Review HESI Pediatric Practice Exam related questions and content

The mother calls the clinic and tells the practical nurse (PN) that her child cannot swallow a prescribed tablet that was dispensed by the local pharmacy as a whole tablet. How should the PN respond?

  • A. You can crush the tablet and mix it with food.
  • B. You should not force the child to swallow the tablets by holding her nose closed.
  • C. If a liquid form is available, the pharmacist can be contacted for a prescription change.
  • D. Do not advise the child to chew the tablet if she cannot swallow it.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When a child is unable to swallow a tablet, the appropriate response is to consider if a liquid form of the medication is available. This is a safer and more effective alternative than forcing the child to swallow or chew the tablet. Contacting the pharmacist for a prescription change can provide a suitable solution that ensures the child receives the medication in a more manageable form.