What should a nurse do if the patient has trouble swallowing an oral medication?

Requesting a liquid form of the medication is the appropriate action when a patient has difficulty swallowing an oral medication. Liquid formulations can be easier for patients to swallow, helping to ensure that they receive the full dose of medication without the risk of choking or obstruction that can occur with solid forms such as tablets or capsules. This approach also enhances patient comfort and adherence to the medication regimen.

When patients struggle with swallowing, alternative options such as crushing tablets or administering solid medications with food may seem viable, but these methods can lead to complications. For instance, enteric-coated tablets are designed to dissolve in the intestine rather than the stomach, and crushing them can compromise their effectiveness and cause gastrointestinal irritation. Changing the administration route could be considered if no alternatives exist, but this might not be necessary or feasible in all cases. Therefore, requesting a liquid form of the medication usually presents a safer and more effective solution.