Question

a nurse is caring for a client who is to receive topiramate xr 100 mg po daily. the client tells the nurse that the capsule is too hard to swallow. which of the following actions should the nurse take? crush the contents of the capsule to administer in a small amount of pudding. request extended - release sprinkles from the pharmacy. ask the charge nurse to clarify the prescription with the provider. withhold the medication until the time for the next dose.

Explanation:

Extended - release (XR) medications are formulated to release the drug slowly over time. Crushing an XR capsule (Option A) would disrupt the extended - release mechanism, potentially causing a rapid release of the drug, which can lead to adverse effects. Requesting extended - release sprinkles (Option B) is not appropriate without first consulting the provider as the original prescription is for a specific XR capsule formulation. Withholding the medication (Option D) is not a proper first step as it may lead to a therapeutic gap. The correct action is to ask the charge nurse to clarify the prescription with the provider (Option C) to explore alternative, safe administration methods if the client has difficulty swallowing the capsule.

Answer:

C. Ask the charge nurse to clarify the prescription with the provider.