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 3.0 mg sub q every 4 hr PRN for pain."
"Morphine 3 mg subcutaneous every 4 hr PRN for pain."
"Morphine 3 mg SC q 4 hr PRN for pain."
"Morphine 3 mg SQ every 4 hr PRN for pain."
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
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 A
Explanation
A. Wear loose-fitting clothing. After ICD implantation, the site may be sore or swollen, and tight clothing can cause irritation or pressure. Loose-fitting clothes help protect the incision and device, reducing discomfort and risk of complications.
B. Return in two weeks for a follow-up MRI. Most implantable cardioverter/defibrillators are not MRI-compatible unless specifically labeled as such. MRI exposure can interfere with device function and is generally avoided unless approved by a cardiologist.
C. Expect to have a rapid pulse rate for the first few weeks. The purpose of an ICD is to monitor and correct life-threatening arrhythmias, not to increase the heart rate. A rapid pulse is not expected and may indicate a complication requiring immediate evaluation.
D. Resume tub baths and swimming after 24 hr. Immersing the incision site in water within the first few weeks post-op increases the risk of infection. The client should avoid soaking the incision until it is fully healed, typically 1 to 2 weeks post-procedure.
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