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. How should the PN respond?
Explain that the healthcare provider probably prescribed a different medication while he is hospitalized.
Tell the client that he is probably confused since being hospitalized tends to disorient clients.
Tell the client that the PN will verify that the dispensed medication is the valid prescription.
Explain that the pharmacy often substitutes generic equivalents for more expensive brands.
The Correct Answer is C
- 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 a 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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A: Document the client's loss of memory in the record.
While it's important to document changes in a patient's condition, this should not be the first action. The confusion might be temporary and due to the new environment. It's crucial to first address the patient's immediate needs.
Choice B: Remind the client what day of the week it is.
This is the best action to take. The patient is likely experiencing "relocation stress syndrome," which can cause confusion and disorientation in a new environment. Reminding her of the day can help reorient her and alleviate her confusion.
Choice C: Encourage the client to rest during the day.
While rest is important, it doesn't directly address the patient's confusion about the day of the week. Furthermore, excessive daytime sleep can disrupt the patient's sleep-wake cycle and potentially exacerbate confusion.
Choice D: Notify the family of the change in the client's condition.
While it's important to keep the family informed, this should not be the first action. The nurse should first address the patient's confusion and monitor her to see if the confusion persists or improves.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
When admitting a client with complications of left-sided heart failure, the practical nurse (PN) should prioritize assessing the client's bilateral lung sounds. Left-sided heart failure can result in the accumulation of fluid in the lungs, leading to pulmonary congestion and impaired gas exchange. By auscultating the client's lung sounds, the PN can assess for the presence of crackles, wheezes, or diminished breath sounds, which are indicative of pulmonary congestion and fluid accumulation. This assessment helps to identify the severity of the client's condition and guides further interventions and treatment.
While assessing heart sounds (option a) is important in evaluating cardiac function, assessing lung sounds takes priority as pulmonary congestion is a common manifestation of left-sided heart failure. Chest pain (option b) is a significant symptom that should be assessed promptly, but in this scenario, the focus is on assessing for signs of pulmonary congestion and impaired gas exchange. Assessing the client's mood and affect (option d) is important for a comprehensive assessment, but it is not the priority when the client is admitted with complications of left-sided heart failure.
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