Question

a nurse is teaching a client about naproxen enteric - coated tablets. which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

• \medication absorption occurs in the stomach.\
• \you should expect immediate absorption of the medication.\
• \you should allow the tablet to dissolve in your mouth.\
• \do not crush or chew the tablet.\

Explanation:

• Enteric - coated tablets have a special coating that is designed to dissolve in the intestines, not the stomach. So, the statement “Medication absorption occurs in the stomach” is incorrect.
• Enteric - coated tablets are not for immediate absorption. They are formulated to be absorbed in the intestines, so “You should expect immediate absorption of the medication” is wrong.
• Enteric - coated tablets are not meant to dissolve in the mouth. They are swallowed whole, so “You should allow the tablet to dissolve in your mouth” is incorrect.
• Crushing or chewing an enteric - coated tablet would damage the coating, which is designed to protect the stomach from the drug (in some cases) or to target drug release in the intestines. So, “Do not crush or chew the tablet” is the correct instruction.

Answer:

“Do not crush or chew the tablet.”