Order: Metoprolol Tartrate 25 mg PO each morning

Available: Metoprolol Tartrate 50 mg tablets

How many tablets will you administer per dose?

A. 89-year-old with dementia and NG tube with continuous tube feeding: While this patient requires monitoring, continuous tube feeding is routine, and there is no indication of immediate distress.

B. 73-year-old with hypoactive bowel sounds one day post-cholecystectomy: Hypoactive bowel sounds are expected after surgery, particularly after abdominal procedures. This does not indicate an emergency.

C. 43-year-old with anorexia and nausea for two days who is tolerating a clear liquid diet: This patient’s condition is stable, and nausea is resolving, making them a lower priority.

D. 65-year-old who has dysphagia after suffering from a stroke who is NPO: Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) increases the risk of aspiration pneumonia, which can be life-threatening. This patient should be assessed first to ensure their airway is protected.

A. Providing a detailed SBAR report to the primary nurse: SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) is a standard communication tool used among healthcare professionals to ensure continuity of care. Since this report is given to the primary nurse who is part of the healthcare team, it does not violate confidentiality.

B. Collaborating with the patient care technician for hygiene care: Patient care technicians (PCTs) are part of the healthcare team, and sharing necessary patient information with them to ensure hygiene care does not breach confidentiality.

C. Discussing the client's medications with the clinical instructor: A clinical instructor is responsible for overseeing student learning and patient safety. As long as the discussion is conducted in an appropriate setting (e.g., away from unauthorized persons), it does not violate confidentiality.

D. Writing the client's initials on the student care plan: Even using initials instead of a full name can still be considered identifiable information if someone can link it to a specific patient. To maintain confidentiality, students should use de-identified data in their care plans.