A nurse is caring for a client who has a vented NG tube set to low intermittent suction and has vomited.

Which of the following actions should the nurse perform first?

This prescription is complete because it includes the medication name, dose, route, and frequency.

A complete prescription should also include the client’s name, date, time, signature of the prescriber, and any special instructions.

Choice A is wrong because it does not specify the dose of cimetidine.

PO twice daily is not enough information to administer the medication safely.

Choice B is wrong because it does not specify the frequency of tetracycline.

200 mg PO is not enough information to administer the medication safely.

Choice C is wrong because it does not specify the route of epoetin alfa.

150 units/kg three times weekly is not enough information to administer the medication safely.

Normal ranges for digoxin are 0.5 to 2 ng/mL for heart failure and 0.8 to 2 ng/mL for atrial fibrillation.

Normal ranges for cimetidine are 50 to 150 ng/mL.

Normal ranges for tetracycline are 1 to 10 mcg/mL.

Normal ranges for epoetin alfa are not applicable as it is a synthetic hormone that stimulates red blood cell production.

Choice A reason:

Explaining the procedure to the client before verifying informed consent is not an appropriate action: While it is essential to explain the procedure to the client and ensure they have a clear understanding of what they are consenting to, this step typically occurs before the informed consent form is presented. The purpose of the informed consent form is to document that the client has received adequate information and has given their consent voluntarily

Choice B reason:

Confirming the client's signature is authentic is the correct action. Verifying the record of informed consent for a client scheduled for surgery involves several important steps. Of these, the nurse's primary responsibility is to ensure that the client's signature on the informed consent form is authentic. This means ensuring that the client themselves or their authorized representative has signed the form willingly and without coercion.

Choice C reason:

Providing information on the informed consent form about the benefits of the surgery is not an appropriate action: The informed consent form typically contains information about the procedure, its risks, possible complications, and alternatives, but it is not the nurse's responsibility to provide this information. The healthcare provider or surgeon is responsible for explaining the details of the surgery to the client before obtaining their consent.

Choice D reason:

Informing the client about the condition that requires treatment is not an appropriate action: The responsibility of informing the client about their medical condition, the need for treatment, and the available options lies with the healthcare provider or surgeon, not the nurse. The nurse may assist in providing information or answering questions, but the primary responsibility for discussing the medical condition lies with the provider.