A nurse is preparing to administer clonidine 0.3 mg at bedtime to a patient. The available amount is clonidine 0.1 mg/tablet.

How many tablets should the nurse administer per dose?

Choice A rationale

As an advocate, the nurse acts to protect the patient’s rights and helps them to speak for themselves. This includes supporting the patient’s decisions, even when these decisions might not be in line with the nurse’s personal beliefs.

Choice B rationale

As a manager, the nurse coordinates activities of members of the nursing staff in delivering nursing care, and oversight ensures that care is safe, effective, and patient-centered.

Choice C rationale

As a caregiver, the nurse assists patients with meeting their physical, psychological, and developmental needs. This role involves direct patient care activities.

Choice D rationale

As an educator, the nurse works to enhance patients’ knowledge about their health and care, promoting health behaviors and self-care skills.

The correct answer is Choice A

Choice A rationale: Iron 38 mcg/dL is below the normal range for children (50-120 mcg/dL). Low iron levels can indicate iron deficiency anemia, which requires medical evaluation and intervention to prevent complications such as developmental delays and decreased immunity.

Choice B rationale: RBC 4.9 million/mm is within the normal range for children (4.0-5.5 million/mm). This value does not indicate any abnormalities and does not require reporting to the provider. RBC count helps in assessing the overall red blood cell health and oxygen-carrying capacity.

Choice C rationale: WBC 10,000 cells/mm is within the normal range for children (5,000-10,000 cells/mm). This value is considered normal and does not indicate an infection or other condition needing immediate attention. WBC count is critical for evaluating the immune system's response to infection.

Choice D rationale: Lead 2 mcg/dL is within the acceptable range for children. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers lead levels less than 5 mcg/dL to be acceptable. Lead exposure can harm children's development, but this level does not necessitate immediate reporting