A nurse is collecting data from a client who has hyponatremia.
Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

The correct answer is: a. The client’s date of birth.

Choice A reason: The client’s date of birth is a critical identifier in healthcare settings. It is unique to the individual and does not change, making it a reliable way to confirm a patient’s identity. This is especially important in acute care settings where accurate patient identification is crucial for safe medication administration. Using the date of birth along with another identifier, such as the patient’s name, aligns with the best practices for patient safety.

Choice B reason: While a client’s full medical diagnosis is important information for a nurse to know, it is not used as an identifier for medication administration. The diagnosis helps inform treatment decisions and care planning but does not uniquely identify a patient. Multiple patients could have the same diagnosis, which could lead to medication errors if used as an identifier.

Choice C reason: A client’s telephone number is not a standard identifier used in healthcare settings for medication administration. Telephone numbers can change and are not unique to an individual. They also do not provide immediate verification of a patient’s identity at the bedside.

Choice D reason: The room number of the client is not a primary identifier for patient identification in medication administration. Room numbers are not unique to individuals and can change if a patient is moved. It is possible for errors to occur if room numbers are used as the sole identifier, as another patient could be in that room at a different time.

Choice A rationale:

"This medication can increase your risk for sunburn." Ciprofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, can increase the risk of sunburn and photosensitivity reactions. Patients taking this medication should be advised to use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and avoid excessive sun exposure to prevent sunburn.

Choice B rationale:

"Take an antacid if the medication causes gastrointestinal upset." Ciprofloxacin should not be taken with antacids or other products containing calcium, magnesium, aluminum, or iron, as these can interfere with its absorption. Therefore, advising the patient to take an antacid with ciprofloxacin is incorrect.

Choice C rationale:

"Restrict your daily fluid intake while taking this medication." There is no need to restrict fluid intake while taking ciprofloxacin. In fact, it is important for patients to stay well-hydrated to prevent potential side effects like crystalluria. Adequate fluid intake helps dilute the urine and reduce the risk of crystal formation.

Choice D rationale:

"Expect to experience diarrhea while taking this medication." Diarrhea can be a side effect of ciprofloxacin, but it is not something patients should necessarily expect. While gastrointestinal upset is a known side effect, not everyone who takes the medication will experience diarrhea. Patients should be advised to report any severe or persistent diarrhea to their healthcare provider.