The practical nurse (PN) notices that one of the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) working in the long- term care facility consistently records subnormal temperatures when using a tympanic thermometer.

Which action should the PN take first?

Choice A rationale:

Slower reaction time is a common age-related change in the neurological system. The processing of sensory information and response time may become slower in older adults due to changes in neural pathways and decreased neurotransmitter activity.

Choice B rationale:

Older adults may experience some difficulty with learning new things due to changes in cognitive function and neural plasticity. This is a common age-related effect on the neurological system.

Choice C rationale:

This statement is incorrect. Older adults typically have fewer neurotransmitters in their brains as they age, which can contribute to cognitive changes and a decline in cognitive function.

Choice D rationale:

Loss of some sense of smell and taste is an age-related change. Older adults may experience a decreased ability to detect and differentiate smells and tastes due to changes in olfactory and gustatory receptors.

Choice E rationale:

This statement is incorrect. Aging does not necessarily lead to an increase in oxygen delivery to brain cells. In fact, there may be a decrease in cerebral blood flow with age in some individuals.

c) Call the healthcare provider and clarify the prescription. Correct

This is the action that the PN should take if they believe that a prescription for a child is incorrect because the dosage prescribed is the usual adult dosage.

Calling the healthcare provider and clarifying the prescription is the safest and most effective way to prevent medication errors and ensure the child's safety. The PN should not administer the medication until they are sure that it is correct and appropriate for the child.

a) Tell the pharmacy to send an accurate child's dosage.

This is not the action that the PN should take if they believe that a prescription for a child is incorrect because the dosage prescribed is the usual adult dosage.

Telling the pharmacy to send an accurate child's dosage is not appropriate, as it may cause confusion, delay, or conflict with the healthcare provider's orders. The PN should not assume that they know the correct dosage for the child without consulting with the healthcare provider.

b) Ask another nurse if adult dosages are ever given to children.

This is not the action that the PN should take if they believe that a prescription for a child is incorrect because the dosage prescribed is the usual adult dosage. Asking another nurse if adult dosages are ever given to children is not helpful, as it may not provide accurate or reliable information.

The PN should not rely on another nurse's opinion or experience without verifying it with the healthcare provider.

d) Request verification of the prescription by the charge nurse.

This is not the action that the PN should take if they believe that a prescription for a child is incorrect because the dosage prescribed is the usual adult dosage. Requesting verification of the prescription by the charge nurse is not necessary, as it may waste time and resources.

The PN should be able to communicate directly with the healthcare provider and clarify any doubts or concerns about the prescription.