Which medications should not be administered through a nasogastric tube? Select three.

Which medications should not be administered through a nasogastric tube? Select three.

• A. Enteric-coated tablet
• B. Sustained-release tablet
• C. Finely crushed tablet dissolved in water
• D. Liquids
• E. IV medications

Answer: (A)

Medications that should not be administered through a nasogastric tube include enteric-coated tablets, sustained-release tablets, and intravenous (IV) medications. Enteric-coated tablets are designed to resist dissolution in the acidic environment of the stomach; they are intended to dissolve in the more alkaline environment of the intestines. Cracking or crushing these tablets to administer them through a tube can lead to premature release of the medication, which may result in irritation to the stomach lining and could decrease the drug’s effectiveness. Sustained-release tablets are formulated to release their active ingredients over an extended period. Crushing these medications can cause the entire dose to be released at once, rather than gradually over time. This can lead to toxicity or an increased risk of side effects, as the body may not be prepared to handle the sudden influx of medication. Intravenous medications are specifically formulated for administration directly into the bloodstream and are not compatible with nasogastric administration. Giving IV medications via a nasogastric tube could lead to complications and ineffective treatment, as the medications would not be delivered into the circulation as intended. Finely crushed tablets dissolved in water and liquids are generally appropriate for administration through a nasogastric tube, making them the preferred forms when

Medications that should not be administered through a nasogastric tube include enteric-coated tablets, sustained-release tablets, and intravenous (IV) medications.

Enteric-coated tablets are designed to resist dissolution in the acidic environment of the stomach; they are intended to dissolve in the more alkaline environment of the intestines. Cracking or crushing these tablets to administer them through a tube can lead to premature release of the medication, which may result in irritation to the stomach lining and could decrease the drug’s effectiveness.

Sustained-release tablets are formulated to release their active ingredients over an extended period. Crushing these medications can cause the entire dose to be released at once, rather than gradually over time. This can lead to toxicity or an increased risk of side effects, as the body may not be prepared to handle the sudden influx of medication.

Intravenous medications are specifically formulated for administration directly into the bloodstream and are not compatible with nasogastric administration. Giving IV medications via a nasogastric tube could lead to complications and ineffective treatment, as the medications would not be delivered into the circulation as intended.

Finely crushed tablets dissolved in water and liquids are generally appropriate for administration through a nasogastric tube, making them the preferred forms when