The nurse is examining new medication orders for a patient and notes the following order: Methadone 40.0 mg orally twice a day.
Why does the nurse contact the provider to clarify the order?
The medication dosage seems unusually low.
The abbreviation “BID” is listed as a “Do not use” abbreviation.
Trailing zeros should be avoided when writing medication orders.
There is no need to contact the provider.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
The dosage of Methadone 40.0 mg orally twice a day does not seem unusually low. Methadone is a potent opioid medication used for pain management and the treatment of opioid dependence. Its dosage should be individualized based on the patient’s condition and response to treatment16.
Choice B rationale
The abbreviation “BID” is not listed as a “Do not use” abbreviation. It is a commonly used medical abbreviation that stands for “bis in die,” which means “twice a day” in Latin16.
Choice C rationale
Trailing zeros should be avoided when writing medication orders. Writing “40.0 mg” instead of “40 mg” can lead to dosing errors if the decimal point is not seen, potentially resulting in a tenfold overdose16.
Choice D rationale
There is a need to contact the provider to clarify the order due to the potential for dosing errors associated with the use of trailing zeros16.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While trust is an important aspect of the patient-family relationship, it’s not the primary need being considered in this scenario. The nurse is discussing allowing patient families to visit as often as the patient’s condition will allow. This is more about providing emotional and social support to the patient, rather than building trust.
Choice B rationale
Social support is the primary need being considered in these conversations. Evidence shows that the unrestricted presence and participation of a support person (i.e., family as defined by the patient) can improve the safety of care and enhance patient and family satisfaction. This is especially true in the ICU, where patients are often unable to speak for themselves.
Choice C rationale
While environmental considerations are important in any care setting, they’re not the primary need being considered in this scenario. The nurse is discussing the frequency of family visits, which is more about providing social support to the patient.
Choice D rationale
Dependence is not the primary need being considered in this scenario. The nurse is discussing the frequency of family visits, which is more about providing social support to the patient.
While patients in the ICU may be dependent on medical staff for their physical needs, the presence of family can provide emotional and social support.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice B rationale
A potassium level of 6.4 mmol/K is above the normal range (3.5-5.0 mmol/L) and can be life- threatening. High potassium levels can lead to dangerous heart rhythms.
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