A nurse is receiving a telephone prescription from a provider for a client who requires additional medication for pain control. Which of the following entries should the nurse make in the medical record?
"Morphine 3 mg SQ every 4 hr PRN for pain."
"Morphine 3.0 mg sub q every 4 hr PRN for pain."
"Morphine 3 mg subcutaneous every 4 hr PRN for pain."
"Morphine 3 mg SC q4hr PRN for pain.”
The Correct Answer is C
Rationale:
A. "Morphine 3 mg SQ every 4 hr PRN for pain.": The abbreviation "SQ" is considered unsafe and can be misinterpreted. The Joint Commission recommends avoiding this abbreviation and writing out "subcutaneous" to ensure clarity and patient safety.
B. "Morphine 3.0 mg sub q every 4 hr PRN for pain.": Using a trailing zero (e.g., "3.0 mg") increases the risk of a dosing error if the decimal point is missed. Standard documentation practices recommend omitting trailing zeros for whole numbers.
C. "Morphine 3 mg subcutaneous every 4 hr PRN for pain.": This entry uses the full name "subcutaneous," avoids unsafe abbreviations, and omits the trailing zero, adhering to safe and standardized medication documentation guidelines.
D. "Morphine 3 mg SC q4hr PRN for pain.": Both "SC" and "q4hr" are discouraged abbreviations. "SC" can be confused with "SL" (sublingual), and "q" abbreviations can be misread. Writing terms in full reduces the risk of misinterpretation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Attach a single-line administration set: A blood transfusion requires a Y-type tubing with a filter and two lines—one for the blood and one for normal saline—to allow flushing and compatibility. A single-line set is inadequate.
B. Prime the tubing with 0.9% sodium chloride: Only 0.9% sodium chloride (normal saline) should be used to prime blood tubing, as it is compatible with blood products and prevents clotting or hemolysis. Dextrose or other solutions can cause cell lysis.
C. Use an IV catheter that is at least 24-gauge: A 24-gauge catheter is too small for routine blood transfusions. A larger bore, such as 18- to 20-gauge, is recommended to reduce the risk of hemolysis and allow adequate flow.
D. Use tubing that does not have a filter in the drip chamber: Blood transfusion sets must include a filter (usually 170–260 microns) to trap clots and debris. Using tubing without a filter increases the risk of transfusion reactions.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Tell the client to sit alone in a private place and reflect on the situation: Clients in a panic state are overwhelmed, disorganized, and unable to focus. Leaving them alone can increase feelings of isolation and fear, worsening the anxiety.
B. Use short sentences when communicating with the client: During panic-level anxiety, the client's ability to process information is impaired. Clear, concise communication helps reduce confusion and provides a sense of control and safety.
C. Have the client journal about what is happening to him: Journaling requires introspection and cognitive organization, which are not possible when a client is in a panic state. This intervention is more appropriate once anxiety levels have decreased.
D. Encourage the client to talk about his feelings: While verbalizing emotions is therapeutic, a client in panic may not be able to articulate thoughts. The priority is to first reduce the anxiety to a manageable level using calm, simple guidance.
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