The healthcare provider prescribes an oral medication to be given daily for 3 days. However, the medication was also given on the fourth day. Which intervention is most important for the charge nurse to implement?

Choice A Reason: Listening for the presence of bowel sounds is not a task that the home health aide can perform, as it requires a stethoscope and clinical judgment. This task is within the scope of practice of the nurse, who should assess the client's bowel function and abdominal status.

Choice B Reason: Teaching the client about foods high in fiber is not a task that the home health aide can perform, as it requires knowledge and education skills. This task is within the scope of practice of the nurse, who should provide dietary advice and counseling to the client and their family.

Choice C Reason: Administering a prescribed dose of a laxative is not a task that the home health aide can perform, as it requires medication administration skills and authority. This task is within the scope of practice of the nurse, who should check the medication order, verify the dosage and route, and document the administration.

Choice D Reason: Assisting the client to drink warm prune juice is a task that the home health aide can perform, as it requires basic care and assistance skills. This task is appropriate for the home health aide, who should encourage fluid intake and offer natural remedies for constipation, such as prune juice, which has laxative effects.

Choice A Reason: This is not the first priority because it does not address the client's safety and well-being. The charge nurse should inform the pharmacist who dispensed the medication, but this can be done later.

Choice B Reason: This is the best action because it protects the client from harm and prevents further complications. The charge nurse should evaluate the client for symptoms of a drug overdose, such as nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, or respiratory depression, and administer antidotes or supportive measures if needed.

Choice C Reason: This is not the first priority because it does not provide immediate care to the client. The charge nurse should report the medication error to the nursing supervisor, but this can be done later.

Choice D Reason: This is not the first priority because it does not correct the mistake or prevent recurrence. The charge nurse should review the medication transcription with the nurse, but this can be done later.