A nurse is preparing to administer a medication to a client who states. "That looks different from the pill I usually take." Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

A. Administering the granules mixed with 20 oz of water is not necessary. Montelukast granules can be administered directly into the mouth or mixed with a small amount of soft food (e.g., applesauce) if necessary. The specific instructions for administration should be provided by the healthcare provider or included in the product labeling.

B.If you’re using it to prevent breathing problems related to exercise, take a single dose at least 2 hours before exercising. However, another dose cannot be taken within 24 hours.

C.Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist commonly used for the maintenance treatment of asthma in children and adults. The usual recommended dose is once daily in the evening, depending on the specific instructions from the healthcare provider.

D. Administering the medication at the onset of wheezing is not the recommended approach. Montelukast is a daily maintenance medication for asthma and should be taken regularly as prescribed, regardless of wheezing symptoms. It is not intended to be used for immediate relief of wheezing or acute asthma symptoms. Short-acting bronchodilators are typically used for quick relief of wheezing or acute asthma symptoms.

A medication error refers to any preventable event that may cause or lead to inappropriate medication use or patient harm. In this case, the nurse administering a double dose of medication due to a failure to cut the pill in half is a medication error. It involves the administration of an incorrect dose, which can potentially result in harm or adverse effects for the patient.

The other situations mentioned do not necessarily indicate medication errors. A patient developing hives after starting an IV antibiotic could have an allergic reaction, and appropriate actions should be taken to address the reaction. A patient complaining of severe pain still present after receiving pain medication may require further assessment and intervention to manage their pain effectively. A patient refusing her morning medication is not a medication error but rather a patient's right to refuse treatment, and appropriate documentation and communication should be done in such situations.