A patient is being discharged home with a prescription for a new medication. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A rationale
Encouraging the patient to rely on their knowledge is not sufficient. Patients may not have the necessary understanding or skills to manage a new medication safely. It is important for the nurse to provide comprehensive education on the medication.
Choice B rationale
Reviewing the medication administration technique with the patient ensures they understand how to take the medication correctly. This includes the dosage, timing, and any specific instructions related to the medication. Proper education helps prevent medication errors and promotes adherence to the prescribed regimen.
Choice C rationale
Instructing the patient to avoid contacting healthcare providers with questions is incorrect. Patients should be encouraged to reach out to their healthcare providers if they have any questions or concerns about their medication. This ensures they have the support they need to manage their medication safely.
Choice D rationale
Providing the patient with written instructions only is not sufficient. While written instructions are helpful, they should be supplemented with verbal education and a demonstration if necessary. This ensures the patient fully understands how to take their medication and can ask questions if needed.

Choice A rationale
Using a standardized pediatric medication reference guide is not appropriate for administering insulin to a diabetic client. Insulin dosages are typically based on the client’s blood glucose levels and individual needs, not standardized pediatric references. Ensuring patient safety requires accurate and individualized dosage calculations.
Choice B rationale
Relying on memory for dosage calculations is not a safe practice. Human memory is fallible, and errors in dosage calculations can have serious consequences for the client. It is essential to use reliable methods and double-check calculations to ensure accuracy and patient safety.
Choice C rationale
Asking another nurse to double-check calculations is the most appropriate action for ensuring patient safety. This practice helps to catch any potential errors and ensures that the correct dosage is administered. Double-checking calculations is a standard safety measure in medication administration.
Choice D rationale
Performing dosage calculations manually is important, but it should be combined with double- checking by another nurse. Manual calculations alone do not provide an additional layer of verification to catch potential errors. Ensuring patient safety requires both accurate calculations and verification by another healthcare professional.