A nurse discovers that the physician has prescribed a higher than recommended dose of a medication for a client. Which is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?
give the recommended dose of the medication based on the client's diagnosis
Hold the ordered dose & document their rationale regarding the dose.
Call the pharmacy to report a mistake
Call the prescribing physician to clarify the order
The Correct Answer is D
D. Calling the prescribing physician to clarify the order is the most appropriate action in this situation. Direct communication with the physician allows the nurse to express concerns, seek clarification, and ensure that the medication order is appropriate and safe for the client.
A. Administering a medication at a higher than recommended dose could potentially harm the client and is not in line with safe medication administration practices. It's essential to follow the established guidelines and recommendations for medication dosing to avoid adverse effects or complications.
B. Holding the ordered dose and documenting the rationale is an appropriate initial action. This allows the nurse to pause the administration of the medication, prevent potential harm to the client, and provide a clear record of the decision-making process. Holding the dose also provides an opportunity for further clarification with the prescribing physician.
C. While reporting a mistake to the pharmacy is important, it may not be the most immediate action to take when dealing with a higher than recommended dose of medication. Direct communication with the prescribing physician is necessary to clarify the order and ensure appropriate action is taken promptly.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
B. A PICC line is a long, flexible catheter inserted into a peripheral vein, typically in the upper arm, and advanced until the tip lies in the superior vena cava or the cavoatrial junction. PICC lines are suitable for long-term venous access and are often used for administering medications, including antibiotics, over several weeks or months. They offer stable and reliable access, reducing the need for frequent venipunctures.
A. Butterfly needles are typically used for short-term venous access, such as for blood draws or administering medications that do not require long-term therapy. They are not suitable for prolonged use or for administering medications over several weeks, as they are not designed for secure and stable access over an extended period.
C. A peripheral IV-lock, also known as a saline lock or heplock, is a short catheter inserted into a peripheral vein and then capped off for intermittent use. While peripheral IV-locks are suitable for short-term venous access, they are not ideal for prolonged therapy lasting several weeks. Additionally, they may not provide the necessary stability and reliability for administering IV antibiotics over an extended period.
D. A small gauge peripheral angiocath refers to a short catheter inserted into a peripheral vein for intravenous access. While a larger gauge catheter, such as a 16-gauge, may allow for faster infusion rates and is suitable for certain situations requiring rapid fluid administration, it may not be the most appropriate choice for long-term IV antibiotic therapy. The choice of gauge depends on factors such as the client's vein size, the viscosity of the medication, and the duration of therapy.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. This statement suggests that the client may have sleep-disordered breathing, such as obstructive sleep apnea, which can disrupt the client's sleep patterns and affect their overall sleep quality. The nurse may want to inquire further about the frequency and severity of the snoring, as well as any associated symptoms such as daytime fatigue or observed pauses in breathing during sleep.
B. This statement indicates that emotional stressors, such as arguments or conflicts, may impact the client's sleep patterns. The nurse may want to explore how often these conflicts occur and how they affect the client's ability to fall asleep or stay asleep. Additionally, the nurse may inquire about coping strategies or interventions that the client and their partner use to address conflicts and minimize their impact on sleep.
C. This statement suggests that the client experiences deep or heavy sleep, which may or may not be problematic depending on the context. While deep sleep can be indicative of good sleep quality, it may also raise concerns about the client's ability to awaken in the event of an emergency or the presence of a sleep disorder such as hypersomnia. The nurse may want to inquire further about the client's overall sleep duration, sleep latency, and any difficulties with waking up in the morning.
D. This statement suggests that the client may experience sleep talking, which is a common sleep phenomenon. While sleep talking itself is typically benign, it may indicate underlying sleep disturbances such as sleep fragmentation or abnormal sleep cycles. The nurse may want to ask additional questions to assess the frequency and content of the sleep talking, as well as any potential impacts on the client's sleep quality or daytime functioning.
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