The prescriber has written admission orders, and the nurse is transcribing them. The nurse is having difficulty transcribing one order because of the prescriber's handwriting. Which is the best action for the nurse to take at this time?
Ask a colleague what the order says.
Contact the prescriber to clarify the order.
Wait until the prescriber makes rounds again to clarify the order.
Ask the patient what medications he takes at home.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Ask a colleague what the order says:
This option involves seeking assistance from a colleague to interpret the illegible handwriting. While collaboration among healthcare professionals is important, relying on a colleague to interpret unclear handwriting may introduce the risk of miscommunication or misinterpretation.
B. Contact the prescriber to clarify the order:
This is the recommended and safest option. Contacting the prescriber directly to seek clarification ensures accurate information and reduces the risk of misinterpretation or errors related to illegible handwriting.
C. Wait until the prescriber makes rounds again to clarify the order:
This option involves delaying clarification until the prescriber is available during rounds. Waiting may not be ideal if the patient requires prompt intervention or if there is an urgency in administering the medication. Timely communication is crucial for patient safety.
D. Ask the patient what medications he takes at home:
This option is unrelated to the issue of illegible handwriting on the prescription. While obtaining a patient's medication history is important for comprehensive care, it does not address the immediate need to clarify the unclear order.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Call the health care provider immediately to change the medication to oral.
Changing the medication to oral may not address the immediate issue of the burning sensation and feeling of heat at the IV site. This option focuses on changing the route of administration rather than addressing the current discomfort.
B. Continue the infusion and reassure the patient.
Continuing the infusion without addressing the patient's discomfort could lead to potential complications, and it is important to prioritize patient comfort and safety. Reassurance alone may not be sufficient if there is an issue with the IV site.
C. Flush the line with 10 mL of normal saline and continue the infusion.
While flushing the line with normal saline is a good practice to ensure patency, it may not resolve the issue if there is ongoing irritation or infiltration at the site. Continuing the infusion without addressing the patient's complaint might lead to further discomfort.
D. Discontinue the IV and restart the IV infusion in a different site.
This is the best action. Discontinuing the IV allows the nurse to assess the current site for signs of infiltration or irritation. Restarting the IV in a different site addresses the immediate issue, ensuring that the medication is delivered safely and effectively.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "You will need to take an anticonvulsant of some type for your lifetime."
This statement may be accurate for some individuals with chronic or recurrent seizure disorders, but it is a generalization. The duration of anticonvulsant therapy varies from person to person, and some individuals may eventually be able to discontinue medication under the guidance of their healthcare provider.
B. "This medication should be taken until you haven't had a seizure for a month."
While seizure control is a factor in determining the duration of treatment, setting a specific timeframe (e.g., one month) may not be applicable to everyone. The decision to continue or discontinue anticonvulsant therapy is usually individualized and based on various factors, including the type of seizure disorder and the individual's response to treatment.
C. "Seizures are unpredictable and so is the duration of the treatment."
This is the best response. It acknowledges the variability in seizure disorders and the individualized nature of treatment duration. Seizure management is often an ongoing process that requires monitoring and adjustments based on the person's specific circumstances.
D. "You will only need to take it for a short period of time because anticonvulsants will cure the seizure disorder."
Anticonvulsants are typically used to manage and control seizures rather than cure the underlying seizure disorder. While some individuals may experience a period of seizure freedom and be able to discontinue medication, this is not true for everyone. The duration of treatment varies, and some individuals may require long-term or even lifelong therapy.
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