A client who has atrial fibrillation is prescribed warfarin therapy.

Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the medication?

Step 1 is to determine the amount of darbepoetin alfa in each mL of solution. The vial is labeled as “60 mcg/mL”, which means each mL contains 60 mcg of darbepoetin alfa.

Step 2 is to calculate the volume of the solution that contains 40 mcg of darbepoetin alfa. This can be done by dividing the prescribed dosage by the concentration of the solution. So, the volume is 40 mcg ÷ 60 mcg/mL = 0.67 mL.

However, since we need to round to the nearest tenth, the volume becomes 0.7 mL.

So, the correct answer is, after analysing all choices, the nurse should administer 0.7 mL of the darbepoetin alfa solution.

Medication administration is a process that involves prescribing, dispensing, and giving medications to patients. It is a critical and complex task that requires accuracy, safety, and adherence to the rights of medication administration, such as the right patient, right drug, right dose, right route, right time, right documentation, and right response.

When a male client tells the practical nurse (PN) that the pill he has been taking at home is a different color and size than the one the PN is trying to give him now, this may indicate a potential medication error or discrepancy. A medication error is any preventable event that may cause or lead to inappropriate medication use or patient harm. A medication discrepancy is any difference between the current and previous medication regimens of a patient.

The PN should respond to the client's concern by telling him that the PN will verify that the dispensed medication is the valid prescription. This means that the PN will check the medication label, the medication order, and the medication administration record (MAR) to confirm that the medication given to the client matches the one prescribed by the healthcare provider. The PN will also compare the dispensed medication with a drug reference guide or a picture of the medication to ensure that it is the correct drug and dosage form. The PN will also report any suspected errors or discrepancies to the healthcare provider or the pharmacy for clarification or correction.

Options A, B, and D are incorrect answers, as they do not reflect the appropriate or responsible actions for the PN to take when faced with a possible medication error or discrepancy.

Option A is incorrect because explaining that the healthcare provider probably prescribed a different medication while he is hospitalized is not true or helpful, as it does not verify or resolve the issue.

Option B is incorrect because telling the client that he is probably confused since being hospitalized tends to disorient clients is rude and dismissive, as it does not acknowledge or address the client's concern.

Option D is incorrect because explaining that the pharmacy often substitutes generic equivalents for more expensive brands is not accurate or relevant, as it does not verify or resolve the issue.