Patient Data.

Exhibits

Which order would the nurse question? Select all that apply.

Choice A rationale:

Drinking electrolyte fluid replacements may be necessary if the client is dehydrated due to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). However, addressing the increased thirst, which is a sign of DKA, should involve insulin administration to correct the underlying problem of high blood sugar.

Choice B rationale:

Giving a dose of regular insulin as prescribed is the most appropriate action to address increased thirst in a client with type 1 diabetes and early signs of DKA. Elevated blood sugar levels are the cause of the increased thirst, and insulin helps lower blood sugar levels.

Choice C rationale:

Resuming normal physical activity may not be advisable when a client is experiencing early signs of DKA. Strenuous physical activity can exacerbate hyperglycemia, and the primary focus should be on insulin administration and rehydration.

Choice D rationale:

Measuring urine output over the next 24 hours is important for monitoring hydration status in a client with DKA. However, the immediate priority is to address the increased thirst and hyperglycemia with insulin therapy.

Medication administration is a process that involves prescribing, dispensing, and giving medications to patients. It is a critical and complex task that requires accuracy, safety, and adherence to the rights of medication administration, such as the right patient, right drug, right dose, right route, right time, right documentation, and right response.

When a male client tells the practical nurse (PN) that the pill he has been taking at home is a different color and size than the one the PN is trying to give him now, this may indicate a potential medication error or discrepancy. A medication error is any preventable event that may cause or lead to inappropriate medication use or patient harm. A medication discrepancy is any difference between the current and previous medication regimens of a patient.

The PN should respond to the client's concern by telling him that the PN will verify that the dispensed medication is the valid prescription. This means that the PN will check the medication label, the medication order, and the medication administration record (MAR) to confirm that the medication given to the client matches the one prescribed by the healthcare provider. The PN will also compare the dispensed medication with a drug reference guide or a picture of the medication to ensure that it is the correct drug and dosage form. The PN will also report any suspected errors or discrepancies to the healthcare provider or the pharmacy for clarification or correction.

Options A, B, and D are incorrect answers, as they do not reflect the appropriate or responsible actions for the PN to take when faced with a possible medication error or discrepancy.

Option A is incorrect because explaining that the healthcare provider probably prescribed a different medication while he is hospitalized is not true or helpful, as it does not verify or resolve the issue.

Option B is incorrect because telling the client that he is probably confused since being hospitalized tends to disorient clients is rude and dismissive, as it does not acknowledge or address the client's concern.

Option D is incorrect because explaining that the pharmacy often substitutes generic equivalents for more expensive brands is not accurate or relevant, as it does not verify or resolve the issue.