A home health nurse is verifying a client's prescribed medications and notes that one medication dose was decreased by half. The client asks the nurse if they can cut the tablets in half. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Instruct the client to discard the medication in the toilet.
Manually break the tablets in half.
Determine if the tablets are scored.
Ask the pharmacy to create a liquid version of the medication.
The Correct Answer is C
Rationale:
A. Instruct the client to discard the medication in the toilet: Disposing of medication in the toilet is not a recommended first action, as it does not address the client’s question about safely taking a half dose. Safe disposal is only necessary for expired or unwanted medications.
B. Manually break the tablets in half: Manually breaking tablets without knowing if they are designed to be split can lead to inaccurate dosing and affect drug efficacy. Some medications are not safe to split due to extended-release properties or uneven distribution of active ingredients.
C. Determine if the tablets are scored: Scored tablets are specifically designed to be split, ensuring accurate dosing. The nurse should verify whether the medication is scored before advising the client to cut it, ensuring safety and effectiveness of the prescribed dose.
D. Ask the pharmacy to create a liquid version of the medication: While a liquid formulation may be appropriate for accurate dosing if the tablet cannot be safely split, the first step is to confirm whether the current tablet can be divided. The pharmacy can then provide alternatives if splitting is unsafe.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C,D,B,A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Sits steadily unsupported: Sitting independently is typically achieved around 7–9 months. It indicates advanced trunk control and balance, preparing the infant for crawling and further mobility.
B. Changes from prone to sitting: Moving from a prone (lying on the stomach) position to a sitting position develops around 6–8 months. This milestone requires coordinated strength in the neck, back, and abdominal muscles.
C. Rolls from back to abdomen: This is typically the first major gross motor milestone in infancy, usually occurring around 4–6 months. It demonstrates early trunk and neck muscle development.
D. Rolls from back to side: After mastering rolling from back to abdomen, infants usually roll from back to side, around 4–6 months as well. This skill shows increasing control of torso movements.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. "I will expose the irradiated area of skin to the sun for no more than 30 minutes per day.": Skin that has been irradiated is highly sensitive to sunlight, and any direct exposure can increase the risk of burns and further damage. Clients should avoid sun exposure entirely on affected areas.
B. "I will apply my favorite unscented lotion to the irradiated area of skin twice each day.": Applying lotion may be appropriate if recommended by the radiation oncology team, but the client should avoid using any lotion, cream, or ointment not approved for use on irradiated skin, as some products can irritate the area.
C. "I will use my hand instead of a washcloth to wash the irradiated area of skin.": Using the hand is the safest method for cleansing irradiated skin, as washcloths can cause friction, irritation, or breakdown. Gentle washing helps protect fragile skin and prevent injury during radiation therapy.
D. "I will make sure I have sterile water to wash the irradiated area of skin.": Sterile water is not required for routine skin care of irradiated areas. Mild soap and lukewarm tap water are typically sufficient unless the provider specifies otherwise.
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