A charge nurse is evaluating a newly licensed nurse's electronic documentation for several clients. Which of the following entries for medication doses should the charge nurse identify as correct?

Rationale:

• An older adult client is at high risk for delirium due to age-related changes in the brain and reduced physiological reserve. ICU environments and acute illness increase susceptibility in older adults. Age over 65 is a primary risk factor in many validated delirium screening tools.

• Fever and hypotension suggest a systemic infection and possible sepsis, which can impair cerebral perfusion. This can trigger acute confusion or delirium, especially in vulnerable individuals. The combination of infection and low blood pressure disrupts normal brain function.

• Total left hip arthroplasty involves major surgery and potential postoperative complications such as infection or pain. Surgical trauma, anesthesia, and immobility all increase delirium risk. Recent surgery also increases inflammatory cytokine activity affecting cognition.

• Past medical history: Parkinson’s disease is linked to higher delirium risk due to existing neurotransmitter imbalances. The condition often coexists with cognitive decline or medication interactions. Parkinson’s-related brain changes make acute confusion more likely.

• Visual loss without glasses limits sensory input and orientation cues, contributing to perceptual disturbances. Poor vision can lead to misinterpretation of surroundings, promoting hallucinations or paranoia. Environmental disorientation is a key factor in ICU-related delirium.

Rationale:

A. Mix the medication in juice prior to administration: Montelukast can be mixed with soft foods like applesauce, but mixing it in juice is not specifically recommended due to potential taste masking and dosing accuracy issues. Instructions should follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.

B. Administer the medication when the toddler has an acute asthma attack: Montelukast is a maintenance medication used to prevent asthma symptoms and is not effective for treating acute asthma attacks. A rescue inhaler like albuterol should be used during acute episodes.

C. Provide an additional dose of the medication prior to physical activity: Montelukast is not typically dosed in response to physical activity. While it can help prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm, it should be taken once daily in the evening, not additionally before exertion.

D. Administer the medication to the toddler each evening: Montelukast is prescribed as a once-daily maintenance therapy and is most effective when given in the evening. This helps maintain consistent blood levels and prevents nighttime asthma symptoms.