Which equipment should the nurse use to most accurately measure a 2 mL dose of viscous liquid solution to be administered orally?
3 mL syringe.
One ounce medicine cup.
Tuberculin syringe.
3 mL syringe and a sterile needle.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice a reason: A 3 mL syringe is the most accurate device for measuring a 2 mL dose of a viscous liquid solution due to its design and gradation precision. Syringes provide clearly marked measurement lines, allowing for highly accurate dosing, especially for amounts as small as 2 mL. For viscous liquids, the controlled plunger mechanism of a syringe ensures smooth and consistent measurement and delivery. This is critical in nursing practice, as even slight deviations in medication dosing can lead to therapeutic failures or adverse effects. Additionally, syringes are designed to handle a variety of liquid viscosities, reducing the likelihood of measurement errors caused by sticking or uneven flow. By eliminating the need for visual estimation common with other tools, the syringe minimizes user error and enhances patient safety. The 3 mL capacity ensures the nurse can measure the exact dose without overloading or underutilizing the equipment, maintaining both precision and ease of use.
Choice b reason: A one-ounce medicine cup is less accurate for measuring a 2 mL dose due to its relatively larger size and less precise measurement gradations. Medicine cups are typically designed for measuring larger volumes, such as 5 mL, 15 mL, or more, and are not ideal for small doses. The wide surface area and less detailed markings make it difficult to accurately align the liquid level to the desired measurement, especially for small amounts like 2 mL. This can result in over- or under-dosing, which is particularly problematic when administering potent medications. Additionally, the open design of medicine cups may make pouring viscous liquids challenging, as the liquid may stick to the sides of the cup, leading to further inaccuracies. While convenient for larger doses or liquid mixtures, the medicine cup does not offer the precision required for small, specific dosages in clinical practice.
Choice c reason: A tuberculin syringe, which has a capacity of 1 mL, is specifically designed for administering very small doses, such as subcutaneous or intradermal injections. Using it for a 2 mL dose is impractical and could lead to dosing errors. The nurse would need to fill the syringe twice to administer the full 2 mL, increasing the risk of cumulative measurement inaccuracies. This approach is also time-consuming and may lead to wastage of the medication, as viscous liquids can leave residue inside the syringe, further complicating the dose calculation. Additionally, the markings on a tuberculin syringe are optimized for fractions of a milliliter, not for whole milliliter increments, making it unsuitable for measuring a 2 mL dose. Using this tool for a dose beyond its designed capacity contradicts best practices in nursing, which emphasize using equipment tailored to the specific requirements of the medication and patient.
Choice d reason: Using a 3 mL syringe with a sterile needle is unnecessary and not recommended for administering an oral medication. While the 3 mL syringe itself is suitable for measuring a 2 mL dose, the inclusion of a sterile needle is irrelevant and introduces an additional risk of improper administration. Oral medications are not meant to be injected, and the presence of a needle could lead to accidental use or injury. Furthermore, sterile needles are specifically intended for invasive procedures, such as intramuscular or intravenous injections, and their inclusion in an oral medication protocol is not only superfluous but also contraindicated. The presence of the needle complicates the preparation process without providing any benefit, detracting from the simplicity and efficiency of administering the medication orally. In nursing practice, ensuring that the equipment matches the route of administration is crucial to patient safety and protocol adherence.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is the most therapeutic response as it invites the client to share her feelings and thoughts about the visit. It also shows the nurse's interest and empathy for the client.
Choice B reason: This is a less therapeutic response as it is vague and non-specific. It does not address the client's behavior or mood. It also puts the burden on the client to initiate the conversation.
Choice C reason: This is a less therapeutic response as it assumes that the client enjoyed the visit. It may not reflect the client's true feelings or experiences. It also limits the client's expression to positive aspects only.
Choice D reason: This is a non-therapeutic response as it labels the client's emotion without validation. It may not accurately describe the client's feeling or situation. It also closes the communication by making a statement instead of asking a question.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: To avoid pain-causing activity is not the best outcome statement for the nurse to include in this client's plan of care. It does not address the problem of activity intolerance, but rather reinforces the client's refusal to ambulate. It may also delay the client's recovery and increase the risk of complications.
Choice B reason: To take analgesics as prescribed is a relevant outcome statement for the nurse to include in this client's plan of care, but not the best one. It may help to reduce the client's pain and improve his comfort, but it does not directly measure the client's activity tolerance or mobility.
Choice C reason: To show evidence of incision healing is an important outcome statement for the nurse to include in this client's plan of care, but not the best one. It indicates the client's progress and recovery from surgery, but it does not reflect the client's activity intolerance or pain level.
Choice D reason: To ambulate without discomfort is the best outcome statement for the nurse to include in this client's plan of care. It addresses the problem of activity intolerance related to pain, and the goal of increasing the client's mobility and function. It also implies that the client's pain is well-managed and his incision is healing.
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