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The following medication orders are found in the patient's MAR:

Metformin HCI 500 mg PO daily at 0900.

Hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg PO every 12 hr at 0900 and 2100.

Digoxin .25 mg PO daily at 0900.

In reading the medication orders for the 0700-1500 shift, the nurse determines that the priority intervention is to:

A.

Question the metformin HCI order.

B.

Prepare to administer the 0900 medications.

C.

Clarify the digoxin order.

D.

Clarify the hydrochlorothiazide order.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Question the metformin HCI order: Metformin 500 mg PO daily at 0900 is a standard dose for type 2 diabetes management. There is no immediate concern with the dose or timing that would make it unsafe or require urgent clarification. It can be prepared as scheduled.

B. Prepare to administer the 0900 medications: While administering medications on time is important, the nurse must first ensure that all prescriptions are safe and accurate. Administering digoxin without clarifying a potentially unsafe dose could put the client at risk for toxicity.

C. Clarify the digoxin order: Digoxin 0.25 mg PO daily is commonly prescribed, but decimal errors are a frequent source of medication mistakes. The nurse must verify the order with the healthcare provider before administration to prevent overdose or underdose, which could cause serious cardiac complications.

D. Clarify the hydrochlorothiazide order: Hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg every 12 hours is a typical regimen for hypertension or fluid management. The dose is standard, and there is no immediate safety concern requiring urgent clarification.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Administer extended-release tablets once a day: While extended-release formulations are often given once daily, the exact frequency must be confirmed with the prescriber’s order. The label alone does not specify the dosing schedule.

B. Instruct the patient to chew the tablet slowly: Extended-release tablets are formulated to release the drug over time. Chewing them can destroy the coating and cause rapid absorption, increasing the risk of adverse effects.

C. Instruct the patient to swallow the entire tablet: Swallowing the extended-release tablet whole ensures that the medication is released gradually as designed. This maintains therapeutic levels and reduces the risk of toxicity.

D. Crush and dissolve the tablet in 15 mL of water: Crushing or dissolving an extended-release tablet disrupts the controlled-release mechanism, potentially leading to overdose and loss of efficacy.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. The units of measurement on drug labels help to identify the strength of the drug: Units on labels indicate the precise amount or potency of a medication, which guides safe and accurate dosing for therapeutic effect.

B. The unit of measurement labeled "unit" expresses the biological activity of the drug: Some medications, such as insulin and heparin, are measured in units to reflect their biological activity rather than weight or volume, which is accurate.

C. The mL, L, and meter are units of measurement found in the metric system: Milliliters, liters, and meters are standard metric units for volume and length, commonly used in medication administration and clinical measurements.

D. The mEq unit of measurement has the same concentration of solution as the mcg: Milliequivalents (mEq) measure chemical activity or ion concentration, whereas micrograms (mcg) measure mass. These units are not equivalent, so this statement requires clarification.

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