A client with an NG tube requires a sublingual medication. Which action is appropriate?

A client with an NG tube requires a sublingual medication. Which action is appropriate?

• A. Use the NG tube to administer the medication
• B. Crush tablet and mix with water for NG tube
• C. Dissolve tablet in water and give through the NG tube
• D. Administer the medication under the tongue

Answer: (D)

Sublingual medications are designed to be absorbed quickly through the mucous membrane under the tongue, bypassing the GI tract. Therefore they must be kept in that place and allowed to dissolve, not swallowed or altered. Administering through an NG tube would bypass the sublingual route and can cause tube problems or unpredictable absorption. Crushing or dissolving the tablet for delivery via the NG tube also defeats the intended absorption pattern and may be unsafe. The correct action is to place the medication under the tongue and let it dissolve completely without swallowing it. If needed, remind the patient not to eat or drink until it has fully dissolved.

Sublingual medications are designed to be absorbed quickly through the mucous membrane under the tongue, bypassing the GI tract. Therefore they must be kept in that place and allowed to dissolve, not swallowed or altered. Administering through an NG tube would bypass the sublingual route and can cause tube problems or unpredictable absorption. Crushing or dissolving the tablet for delivery via the NG tube also defeats the intended absorption pattern and may be unsafe. The correct action is to place the medication under the tongue and let it dissolve completely without swallowing it. If needed, remind the patient not to eat or drink until it has fully dissolved.