What is an appropriate action if a patient has trouble swallowing during medication administration?

Having a patient sit upright and administering medication slowly is crucial for ensuring safety and effectiveness during medication administration, especially for those who may have difficulty swallowing. This position helps to prevent aspiration, which can occur when medication enters the airway instead of the esophagus. Sitting upright enhances the patient’s natural swallowing reflex and allows gravity to assist in the process.

Administering all pills at once could overwhelm the patient and increase the risk of choking or aspiration. Allowing a patient to lie down while trying to swallow is contraindicated as this can exacerbate swallowing difficulties and increase the risk of aspiration. Withholding medication until the next appointment does not address the immediate need for medication and could potentially harm the patient if they require their prescribed treatment promptly.