Qualified Medication Aides (QMA) Practice Exam

What is the proper way to prepare medication for administration via G-tube?

1. Mix with water only

2. Crush and dilute

3. Administer without preparation

4. Just dissolve in milk

The correct answer is: Crush and dilute

The proper way to prepare medication for administration via G-tube is to crush and dilute the medication. This method helps to ensure that the medication is in a form that can be easily delivered through the G-tube without causing any blockages or discomfort. Crushing the tablet allows it to be broken down into smaller particles, which enhances its solubility when diluted with an appropriate liquid, often water. Diluting the crushed medication creates a solution that can flow freely through the feeding tube, ensuring that the patient receives the full dosage intended, while also minimizing the risk of irritation to the gastrointestinal tract. The other methods listed may lead to issues. Mixing with water only does not take into account the need to crush tablets or granules that are not already in a liquid form. Administering without preparation could result in the medication being too difficult to pass through the G-tube, leading to complications. Simply dissolving the medication in milk is not an appropriate technique as certain medications may not interact well with dairy products, and milk can also thicken and obstruct the feeding tube. Thus, crushing and diluting ensures that the medication is safely and effectively administered.