A nurse is assisting in the care of a client in an outpatient substance use disorder clinic who has been taking naltrexone for the past 30 days. Which of the following client statements indicates an expected response to the treatment?

Rationale:

A. Search for the medication on the National Library of Medicine's MedlinePlus website: This action allows the nurse to independently access a reliable, evidence-based source to gather essential information about the medication, including its purpose, dosage, side effects, and precautions. It promotes safe and informed medication administration.

B. Ask the charge nurse to explain the purpose of the medication: While consulting experienced colleagues is acceptable, relying solely on another person without verifying the medication through a formal, credible source may lead to misinformation. Independent verification is a safer and more accountable approach.

C. Ask the client to state the indication for the medication: Clients may not always have accurate knowledge of their medications or may misunderstand the reason for their use. Relying on client input does not ensure medication safety and is not a substitute for clinical validation.

D. Allow the client to self-administer the prepared medication: Allowing a client to self-administer a medication that the nurse does not understand is unsafe and violates standards of medication administration. Nurses are responsible for knowing what they administer and ensuring it is appropriate for the client's condition.

Rationale:

A. Ensure the client is aware of the scheduled time for the procedure: While knowing the time of surgery is helpful for preparation, it is not a requirement for informed consent. The key issue is whether the client understands the procedure itself and its implications.

B. Make sure the client has been informed about the risks of the procedure: Before witnessing informed consent, the nurse must confirm that the client has received complete information from the provider about the procedure, including its purpose, risks, benefits, and alternatives. This ensures the client is making an informed decision.

C. Ensure the client receives opioid medication prior to giving consent for the procedure: Administering opioids before consent can impair the client's cognitive ability to understand and voluntarily agree. Consent must be obtained while the client is alert and oriented, prior to any sedating medications.

D. Make sure the client's family agrees to the procedure: Consent is only valid when given by the competent client. Family agreement is not legally required unless the client is unable to consent and a legal surrogate is designated.