The physician's order for a medication states: "Tylenol 325mg 2 or 4 tabs BID and PRN". You don't want to bother the busy, sometimes difficult physician; however,you're unsure of the quantity and frequency of the order. What should the nurse do?
Call the physician and have the order clarified.
Administer the medication twice a day and as needed.
Talk to the unit secretary on the floor who is good at reading the physician's handwriting.
Consult a pharmacist to interpret the order.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Call the physician and have the order clarified: Ambiguous or unclear medication orders must always be clarified directly with the prescribing provider to prevent medication errors and ensure patient safety.
B. Administer the medication twice a day and as needed: Giving medication without clarification risks overdose or underdose due to unclear dose range.
C. Talk to the unit secretary on the floor who is good at reading the physician's handwriting: Only the prescriber can legally clarify or change an order, not clerical staff.
D. Consult a pharmacist to interpret the order: While pharmacists can offer guidance, they cannot confirm intent; the prescriber must clarify the specific dose and frequency.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. A tablet given orally.: Oral administration is considered an enteral route because the drug passes through the gastrointestinal tract for absorption. It is convenient and noninvasive but not classified as parenteral since it does not involve injection.
B. A tablet given sublingually.: The sublingual route allows for rapid absorption through the mucous membranes under the tongue, bypassing first-pass metabolism. However, it is still classified as an enteral route because it involves absorption through the alimentary canal.
C. A subcutaneous injection.: Parenteral administration involves delivering medication by injection through the skin or directly into body tissues. A subcutaneous injection is a parenteral route because it bypasses the gastrointestinal tract and allows for rapid systemic absorption.
D. A liquid medication given orally.: Like oral tablets, oral liquids are administered enterally because they enter the digestive system for absorption. They are suitable for clients who have difficulty swallowing but do not qualify as parenteral medications.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Tachycardia.: A rapid heart rate following administration of an antihypertensive medication is an adverse reaction that may indicate hypotension or reflex sympathetic activation. It requires prompt reporting because it can compromise cardiac function.
B. Lower systolic blood pressure.: A reduction in systolic blood pressure is an expected therapeutic outcome of antihypertensive drugs. As long as the decrease remains within safe limits and the client is asymptomatic, it does not require reporting as an adverse effect.
C. Pleasant mood.: A pleasant or calm mood is not an adverse effect and may indicate improved comfort or reduced stress after blood pressure control. This response requires no intervention and is not clinically concerning.
D. Decreased sense of anxiety.: Lower anxiety levels may reflect the client’s improved physiological stability or reassurance following care. This finding is positive and does not represent a harmful or unintended drug effect.
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