A nurse is admitting an adolescent who has rubella.

Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

The correct answer is choice B. The client should keep the medication in the original container.

Dabigatran is a blood thinner that is used to prevent strokes or blood clots in people with atrial fibrillation, a type of irregular heartbeat. Dabigatran is sensitive to moisture and can lose its potency if exposed to humidity or heat. Therefore, it is important to store it in the original bottle or blister package that has a desiccant (drying agent) in the cap or cover. The client should also close the cap tightly after each use and keep the bottle away from excessive moisture, heat, and cold.

Choice A is wrong because storing the medication in the refrigerator can expose it to moisture and cause it to break down. Choice C is wrong because crushing the medication and mixing it with applesauce can alter its absorption and effectiveness. Choice D is wrong because the medication can be used up to 60 days after opening the bottle as long as it is stored properly. The normal dose of dabigatran for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation is 150 mg twice a day, unless the client has kidney problems or other factors that require a lower dose.

The correct answer is choiceC. Remove the cap and place it sterile-side up on a clean surface.

Choice A rationale:

Placing sterile gauze over areas of spilled solution within the sterile field is not recommended. Spilled solution can compromise the sterility of the field, and covering it with gauze does not restore sterility. Instead, the nurse should avoid spilling solution to maintain the sterile field.

Choice B rationale:

Holding the irrigation solution bottle with the label facing away from the palm of the hand is incorrect. The correct technique is to hold the bottle with the label facing the palm. This prevents the label from getting wet and unreadable, ensuring that the nurse can always identify the solution correctly.

Choice C rationale:

Removing the cap and placing it sterile-side up on a clean surface is the correct action. This maintains the sterility of the cap, preventing contamination when it is replaced on the bottle. Ensuring the cap remains sterile is crucial for maintaining the sterility of the solution.

Choice D rationale:

Holding the bottle in the center of the sterile field when pouring the solution is incorrect. The bottle should be held outside the sterile field to prevent contamination. The solution should be poured carefully to avoid splashing and compromising the sterile field.