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Where I worked we didn't crush meds. We just poured water on top of all the pills and then gave it to the inmate. Since you are being told to do it several different ways, talk to your nursing supervisor and ask specifically how she wants it done.
At my institution we put most psych meds and all narcs in applesauce. The reason behind this is to dissolve the meds to help prevent cheeking. You should have a written policy on how meds are to be prepared. Find the policy and go over it with your supervisor.
We crush all narcotics and float all other meds. If they walk away w/ meds or are caught cheeking them, the med either gets DC'd or they get a crush order (depending on the medication). I've had CO's ask me to get a crush order for some inmates that they suspect are cheeking the meds.