Safety and Infection ControlQuestion 323 of 2368
A client coughs right after swallowing water and has a gurgling voice. Which action should the nurse take before giving the scheduled oral medications?
- Give the pills one at a time with small sips of water
- Hold all oral intake and report the finding to the provider
- Place the pills in applesauce and give them slowly
- Have the client lie flat to reduce coughing, then give the pills
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Correct answer: Hold all oral intake and report the finding to the provider
Coughing or a gurgling voice after swallowing suggests a swallowing problem. No medications, food or fluids should be given until the provider is told.
Source: Nursing Skills, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2023), Administration of Enteral Medications: Process of Medication Administration. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Practice the topic "Safety and Infection Control"Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026