When preparing to administer a prescribed medication to a homeless male at a community psychiatric clinic, the client tells the nurse that he usually takes a different dosage. Which action should the nurse take?
Explain to the client that the dosage has been changed.
Withhold the medication until the dosage can be confirmed.
Inform him that he may refuse the medication and document whether or not he takes it.
Tell him to take the medication then verify the dosage at the next healthcare team meeting.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Explaining to the client that the dosage has been changed is not a safe action because it may not be true. The nurse should not assume that the prescribed dosage is correct or different from the previous one without verifying it with the healthcare provider or the medication record.
Choice B reason: This is the correct answer because withholding the medication until the dosage can be confirmed is a prudent action that ensures patient safety and avoids medication errors. The nurse should compare the prescribed dosage with the client's previous dosage and consult with the healthcare provider or the pharmacist if there is any discrepancy or doubt.
Choice C reason: Informing him that he may refuse the medication and documenting whether or not he takes it is not a responsible action because it does not address the issue of dosage discrepancy. The nurse should respect the client's right to refuse medication, but should also educate him about the benefits and risks of taking or not taking it. The nurse should also try to resolve any barriers or concerns that may affect the client's adherence to medication.
Choice D reason: Telling him to take the medication then verifying the dosage at the next healthcare team meeting is not a timely action because it may cause harm or complications to the client. The nurse should not administer any medication without checking its accuracy and appropriateness for the client. The nurse should also report and document any medication incidents as soon as possible.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice C reason: providing supplemental oxygen is the first action that the nurse should take for a client who has a suspected pulmonary embolus. A pulmonary embolus is a life-threatening condition that occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs and blocks the blood flow, causing hypoxia and respiratory distress. The nurse should administer oxygen to improve the client's oxygenation and prevent further complications.
Choice A reason: notifying the healthcare provider is not the first action that the nurse should take for a client who has a suspected pulmonary embolus. The nurse should notify the healthcare provider after providing supplemental oxygen and assessing the client's vital signs and symptoms.
Choice B reason: preparing a continuous heparin infusion per protocol is not the first action that the nurse should take for a client who has a suspected pulmonary embolus. Heparin is an anticoagulant that can prevent further clot formation and reduce the risk of recurrence, but it does not dissolve existing clots or improve oxygenation. The nurse should prepare a heparin infusion after obtaining a prescription from the healthcare provider and confirming the diagnosis with diagnostic tests.
Choice D reason: bringing the emergency crash cart to the bedside is not the first action that the nurse should take for a client who has a suspected pulmonary embolus. The emergency crash cart contains equipment and medications that can be used in case of cardiac arrest or other emergencies, but it does not address the immediate need of oxygenation. The nurse should bring the emergency crash cart to the bedside after providing supplemental oxygen and assessing the client's condition.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: When the client has ankle edema, it is important for the nurse to assess for other signs of fluid retention, such as weight gain, jugular venous distension, and crackles in the lungs. However, ankle edema alone is not a specific indicator of preeclampsia or eclampsia, which are conditions that can cause hyperreflexia or increased DTRs.
Choice B reason: This is the correct answer because if the client has an elevated blood pressure, it is important for the nurse to assess for other signs of preeclampsia or eclampsia, such as proteinuria, headache, blurred vision, epigastric pain, and hyperreflexia or increased DTRs. These conditions can cause seizures and other complications that can endanger the mother and fetus.
Choice C reason: During admission to labor and delivery, it is important for the nurse to assess various aspects of the client's health status, such as vital signs, fetal heart rate, contractions, cervical dilation, and pain level. However, assessing DTRs is not a routine part of labor and delivery assessment unless there are signs of preeclampsia or eclampsia.
Choice D reason: Within the first trimester of pregnancy, it is important for the nurse to assess for signs of pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting, bleeding, infection, and ectopic pregnancy. However, assessing DTRs is not a routine part of first trimester assessment unless there are signs of neurological disorders or spinal cord injury.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today