A nurse is preparing to administer hydromorphone 2.5 mg. The available amount is 5 mg/5 mL elixir.

How many mL should the nurse administer?

Choice A rationale:

Polyuria, which is frequent or excessive urination, is not typically a symptom of hypoglycemia. It is more commonly associated with hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar levels.

Choice B rationale:

Sweating is indeed a common symptom of hypoglycemia. When blood sugar levels fall too low, the body may respond by sweating as it releases adrenaline in response to the hypoglycemic state.

Choice C rationale:

Tachycardia, or a fast heartbeat, is another common symptom of hypoglycemia. This is part of the body’s response to low blood sugar levels, as it releases adrenaline to try to raise these levels.

Choice D rationale:

Blurry vision can be a symptom of hypoglycemia. When blood sugar levels fall, it can affect the ability of the eyes to focus, leading to blurry vision.

Choice E rationale:

Polydipsia, or excessive thirst, is not typically a symptom of hypoglycemia. Like polyuria, it is more commonly associated with hyperglycemia.

Choice A rationale:

This choice suggests that the nurse is advising the patient to take the medication first and then check with the doctor. This is not a safe practice. The nurse should always verify any doubts or concerns before administering the medication. Administering an unfamiliar medication can lead to adverse effects if it turns out to be incorrect.

Choice B rationale:

This choice implies that if a medication is listed on the medication administration record (MAR), it must be correct. However, errors can occur when transcribing medication orders onto the MAR. Therefore, it’s crucial for the nurse to verify any concerns or doubts before administering the medication.

Choice C rationale:

This is the correct choice. If a patient expresses concern about a medication, the nurse should always check the order before administering it. This is a fundamental aspect of patient safety and medication administration. It ensures that the right patient receives the right medication at the right dose via the right route at the right time.

Choice D rationale:

This choice suggests that because the medication is listed on the medication sheet, the patient should take it. However, this does not address the patient’s concern about the unfamiliar medication. It’s important for the nurse to validate the patient’s concern and verify the medication order before administration.