A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for fluoxetine to treat depression. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

A. A client received gentamicin intermittent IV bolus over 1 hr:

While gentamicin is typically administered as an intermittent IV bolus, the rate of administration over 1 hour is not necessarily inappropriate. However, the specific institutional protocol or medication administration guidelines should be followed. If the rate of administration deviates significantly from the standard protocol or manufacturer's recommendations, it may warrant further investigation but may not necessarily require an incident report.

B. A nurse used a 25-gauge 3-inch needle to administer a heparin injection:

Using a 25-gauge 3-inch needle for heparin injection is not standard practice and may not be the most appropriate needle size for subcutaneous administration. However, it does not necessarily indicate a need for an incident report unless it resulted in harm to the client. It may prompt further education or clarification regarding appropriate needle selection for subcutaneous injections.

C. A nurse injected Demerol IM into the vastus lateralis site of an adult:

While Demerol (meperidine) is typically administered intramuscularly, the choice of the vastus lateralis site for injection in an adult may not be the most common practice, but it is an acceptable site for IM injections. Unless there are specific contraindications or adverse outcomes related to the site selection, this finding may not require an incident report. However, it could prompt a review of injection site selection guidelines or further education.

D. A client received a crushed bupropion XL tablet mixed with applesauce:

This finding indicates a need for an incident report. Bupropion XL (extended-release) tablets should not be crushed or chewed, as this can lead to rapid release and absorption of the medication, potentially causing adverse effects or toxicity. Administering crushed extended-release tablets is a medication error that warrants an incident report to document the event, assess potential harm to the client, and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

A. Rotating the staff who administer medications is generally counterproductive for a client with bipolar disorder or suspected non-adherence. Consistency in the nursing staff helps build a therapeutic alliance and trust, which are foundational for successful medication management. Frequent changes in personnel can lead to confusion, increased suspicion, and a lack of accountability in the nurse-client relationship.

B. Engaging the client in conversation immediately following the administration of medication is a subtle but effective clinical intervention. This strategy ensures the client has swallowed the medication by requiring vocalization, which prevents the client from "cheeking" or hiding the dose in the buccal cavity. It provides a non-confrontational method to verify ingestion while maintaining a positive and social therapeutic environment.

C. The use of sustained-release forms or long-acting injectable antipsychotics significantly improves adherence by reducing the frequency of administration. These formulations maintain a stable therapeutic serum concentration over a longer period, which is especially beneficial for clients who struggle with daily regimens. Reducing the burden of medication management minimizes the risk of relapse associated with missed doses.

D. Providing for once-daily dosing is a scientifically proven strategy to enhance medication compliance by simplifying the treatment schedule. Complexity in drug regimens is a primary barrier to adherence, particularly in psychiatric populations where cognitive symptoms may be present. A single daily dose is easier for the client to incorporate into a routine, thereby increasing the likelihood of long-term therapy maintenance.

E. Performing mouth checks following the administration of medication is a direct nursing intervention used to confirm that the client has truly swallowed the dose. This process involves a respectful but thorough inspection of the oral cavity, including under the tongue and along the gum lines. It is a standard safety protocol in mental health settings to ensure the delivery of prescribed psychiatric treatment.