A nurse in a clinic is caring for a middle-aged patient who states, “The doctor says that, since I am at an average risk for colon cancer, I should have a routine screening.
What does that involve?” Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Choice A rationale

After drawing up the medication, the nurse should ask another nurse to observe the medication wastage. This is a standard procedure for controlled substances like opioids. The second nurse acts as a witness to ensure that the unused portion of the medication is disposed of properly and not diverted for inappropriate use.

Choice B rationale

Notifying the pharmacy when wasting the medication is not the immediate next step after drawing up the medication. While some institutions may require notification of the pharmacy for controlled substance wastage, the immediate next step is typically to have another nurse witness the wastage.

Choice C rationale

Locking the remaining medication in the controlled substances cabinet is not the immediate next step after drawing up the medication. The remaining medication should be wasted with a witness present.

Choice D rationale

Disposing of the vial with the remaining medication in a sharps container is not the immediate next step after drawing up the medication. The remaining medication should be wasted with a witness present.

Choice A rationale

Auscultating lung sounds is the priority when monitoring for adverse effects of administering IV fluids. Fluid overload can lead to pulmonary edema, which would be detected by abnormal lung sounds such as crackles.

Choice B rationale

While measuring urine output is important to assess kidney function and fluid balance, it is not the priority in this case.

Choice C rationale

Monitoring blood pressure readings is important when administering IV fluids, but it is not the priority in this case.

Choice D rationale

Monitoring electrolyte levels is important when administering IV fluids, but it is not the priority in this case.