A nurse is caring for a client in an emergency department (ED).

Exhibits

Which of the following findings in the client's medical record requires follow-up by the nurse? Select all that apply

Rationale:

A. Check the label of the medication twice prior to administration: Safe medication practice requires the nurse to check the medication label three times, when retrieving, preparing, and before administering to minimize the risk of medication errors.

B. Use two identifiers to verify the client's identity: Using two patient identifiers, such as name and date of birth, ensures the medication is given to the correct individual. This step is crucial for patient safety and is a core component of safe medication administration practices.

C. Document administration of the client's routine medications at the beginning of the shift: Medications should only be documented after they have been administered. Pre-charting medication administration can lead to errors if the medication is delayed, omitted, or refused.

D. Ensure the medication is administered within 3 hr of the scheduled time: Medications are typically required to be administered within 30 minutes to 1 hour of the scheduled time unless otherwise specified. A 3-hour window is too broad and may compromise therapeutic effectiveness.

Rationale:

A. Administer Ibuprofen 200 mg PO: The child reports a pain score of 5/10 and is requesting pain medication. The provider has prescribed ibuprofen PRN for this level of pain. Prompt administration supports comfort and reduces inflammation associated with fracture and swelling.

B. Elevate the affected forearm with pillows: Elevation helps reduce edema by promoting venous return and lymphatic drainage. Given the child's worsening edema in the forearm and fingers, this is a priority to minimize complications like compartment syndrome.

C. Place a nonadherent dressing on the right knee abrasion: Although dressing the abrasion is a reasonable intervention, it is not a priority at this stage. The abrasion is not actively bleeding or infected, so attention should remain on managing neurovascular risk and pain.

D. Review cast care instructions with the child's parents: This is an important educational step, but it is not a current priority since the cast has not yet been applied. Priority actions should focus on pain, swelling, and circulation while awaiting casting.

E. Apply ice packs to the fingers and along the right forearm: Ice helps manage pain and inflammation by vasoconstriction, limiting fluid accumulation in tissues. Applying it early post-injury is crucial to controlling swelling in a fractured limb.

F. Explain the cast application procedure to the child: Preparing the child for a future procedure is helpful but not immediately necessary. At this point, pain control and reduction of swelling take precedence to prevent complications and stabilize the injury.