How should a medication be administered to a patient with swallowing difficulties?

Using alternative forms like liquid formulations is the best approach for administering medication to a patient with swallowing difficulties. Liquid medications can be easier for patients to ingest, as they do not require the physical act of swallowing a solid pill, which can pose a significant challenge for those with dysphagia or other swallowing disorders. Liquid formulations can also allow for more precise dosing, which is essential for ensuring the effectiveness of the medication.

Other options, such as injections only, may not be practical or necessary for all medications and could cause discomfort or fear in the patient. Compounding pills into larger tablets might not solve the problem, as larger pills may still be difficult to swallow. Disregarding the patient’s difficulties completely disregards their comfort and health needs, which is not an acceptable approach in patient care. Thus, using liquid formulations effectively addresses the issue at hand and promotes better adherence to medication regimens for individuals with swallowing issues.