The nurse is teaching a client who is starting dabigatran capsules. Which statement shows correct understanding?
1I will keep the capsules in the original package, swallow them whole, and use an opened bottle within 4 months.✓ Correct answer
2I will refrigerate the capsules and let each dose warm to room temperature before I take it.
3I will transfer the capsules to a weekly pill organizer as long as I store it in a dry bathroom cabinet.
4I will open the capsule and mix the pellets with applesauce whenever I have trouble swallowing it.
Explanation
Dabigatran capsules must be protected from moisture in the original bottle or blister package and swallowed whole. An opened bottle is used within 4 months. Transferring capsules to a pill organizer or storing them in a humid bathroom can reduce stability, and opening, chewing, or crushing a capsule increases drug exposure and bleeding risk.
Clinical reasoning Dabigatran capsules are moisture sensitive, and disrupting the capsule changes drug exposure. Packaging and administration are therefore part of anticoagulant safety, not convenience details.
Decision rule Keep the drug in its original tightly closed bottle or blister, swallow each capsule intact with water, and discard capsules left in an opened bottle after 4 months.