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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?

A.

"Morphine 3.0 mg sub q every 4 hr PRN for pain."

B.

"Morphine 3 mg subcutaneous every 4 hr PRN for pain."

C.

"Morphine 3 mg SC q 4 hr PRN for pain."

D.

"Morphine 3 mg SQ every 4 hr PRN for pain."

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. "Morphine 3.0 mg sub q every 4 hr PRN for pain." Including a trailing zero (3.0 mg) is considered unsafe and is discouraged in medication documentation. It increases the risk of a tenfold overdose if the decimal is missed.
B. "Morphine 3 mg subcutaneous every 4 hr PRN for pain." This entry uses the correct dosage format without a trailing zero, the full term "subcutaneous" instead of abbreviations, and proper medical terminology. It adheres to safe documentation practices as per The Joint Commission guidelines.
C. "Morphine 3 mg SC q 4 hr PRN for pain." The abbreviation “SC” is considered unsafe and prone to misinterpretation. Also, "q" for "every" is discouraged in clinical documentation due to potential misreading and error.
D. "Morphine 3 mg SQ every 4 hr PRN for pain." The abbreviation “SQ” can be misinterpreted or mistaken for “5 every” or other terms. Safe practice requires spelling out “subcutaneous” to prevent errors in medication administration.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"B","dropdown-group-2":"E"}

Explanation

  • Tocolytic medication: Tocolytics are used to suppress preterm labor, which is not applicable for this postpartum client. There is no indication of uterine contractions needing suppression.
  • Intravenous antibiotic: The client exhibits signs of postpartum endometritis—including fever, uterine tenderness, foul-smelling lochia, and a very high WBC count (33,000/mm³). These findings strongly support the need for IV antibiotics to treat the infection.
  • Intrauterine tamponade balloon: This device is used for managing postpartum hemorrhage, which is not present in this case. The client’s lochia is moderate, not excessive, and her uterus is responding to massage.
  • Kleihauer-Betke test: This test is used to detect fetal-to-maternal hemorrhage, particularly in Rh-negative mothers after trauma or potential placental separation. It is not relevant in the context of postpartum infection.
  • Increase in daily fluid intake: The client is febrile and shows signs of systemic infection. Increased fluids support hydration, promote recovery, and help manage the effects of fever and infection, making this an appropriate supportive measure.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Rubeola (measles). Rubeola is transmitted through airborne particles and requires airborne precautions, including the use of an N95 respirator and placement in a negative pressure room. Droplet precautions would not provide sufficient protection due to the small particle size and long-range transmission.
B. Varicella (chickenpox). Varicella requires both airborne and contact precautions because it spreads via airborne respiratory droplets and direct contact with lesions. A client with varicella must be isolated in a negative pressure room and healthcare workers should use full PPE.
C. Tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is spread through airborne droplet nuclei, which remain suspended in the air for extended periods. It requires airborne precautions, including an N95 respirator and isolation in a specialized room.
D. Pertussis (whooping cough). Pertussis is a highly contagious bacterial infection that spreads through large respiratory droplets during coughing or sneezing. Droplet precautions are required, which include wearing a surgical mask when within 3 feet of the client and practicing proper hand hygiene to prevent transmission.

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