Which medication order is written appropriately?
Metformin 0.5 g PO
Methotrexate 15.0 mg PO
Meropenem 1.0 g IV
None of the above
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Incorrect dosage form: Metformin is typically administered orally as a tablet or liquid suspension, not as a powder for reconstitution (PO).
Missing route of administration: The medication order does not specify the route of administration, such as oral (PO), intravenous (IV), or intramuscular (IM).
Potential for medication errors: The lack of clarity in the medication order could lead to errors in administration, such as giving the wrong dose or administering the medication by the wrong route.
Choice B rationale:
Incorrect dosage unit: Methotrexate is typically administered in milligrams (mg), not grams (g).
Potential for overdose: The order for 15.0 g of methotrexate is a very high dose that could lead to serious adverse effects, including toxicity and death.
Choice C rationale:
Correctly written: The medication order specifies the drug name (meropenem), the dose (1.0 g), the dosage form (IV), and the route of administration (IV).
Appropriate dosage range: The dose of 1.0 g of meropenem is within the typical dosage range for this antibiotic.
Clear and concise: The medication order is clear, concise, and easy to understand, which helps to reduce the risk of medication errors.
Choice D rationale:
Incorrect: While choices A and B are both incorrect, choice C is a correctly written medication order.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The dorsal gluteal site, also known as the dorsogluteal site, was once a common choice for intramuscular injections. However, it has fallen out of favor due to several concerns, including:
Risk of sciatic nerve injury: The sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body, runs deep within the gluteal region. Injections into the dorsal gluteal site have a higher risk of accidentally hitting this nerve, which can lead to pain, numbness, and weakness in the leg.
Difficulty in landmarking: Accurately locating the dorsal gluteal site can be challenging, especially in patients with excessive adipose tissue or those who are unable to position themselves properly. Incorrect injection placement can increase the risk of tissue damage and poor drug absorption.
Pain: The dorsal gluteal site is often more painful than other intramuscular injection sites, likely due to the presence of more nerve endings in the area.
Choice B rationale:
The deltoid muscle, located in the upper arm, is a common site for intramuscular injections, particularly for vaccines. However, it has limitations when it comes to administering larger volumes of medication:
Small muscle mass: The deltoid is a relatively small muscle, limiting the amount of medication that can be safely injected. It's generally recommended to inject no more than 1-2 mL of medication into the deltoid muscle.
Proximity to nerves and blood vessels: The deltoid muscle is located near the radial nerve and brachial artery. Improper injection technique could potentially injure these structures.
Choice C rationale:
The vastus lateralis muscle, located in the anterolateral aspect of the thigh, is considered the preferred site for intramuscular injections in adults when the volume of medication exceeds 2 mL. Here's why:
Large muscle mass: The vastus lateralis is a large, thick muscle, capable of accommodating larger volumes of medication (up to 5 mL).
Easy to access: The vastus lateralis is easily accessible and can be injected with the patient in a sitting or lying position.
Fewer nerves and blood vessels: The vastus lateralis has fewer major nerves and blood vessels compared to other injection sites, reducing the risk of injury.
Pain tolerance: Studies have shown that injections into the vastus lateralis are generally less painful than injections into the deltoid or gluteal muscles.
Choice D rationale:
The lateral piriformis muscle is not a recognized or recommended site for intramuscular injections. It's a deep muscle located within the pelvic region, making it difficult to access and posing a higher risk of injury to surrounding structures.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A patient's last bowel movement being 4 days ago does not directly increase their risk of pulmonary embolism (PE). While constipation can be a risk factor for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can lead to PE, it is not a significant risk factor on its own.
It's important to assess for other risk factors for DVT, such as immobility, recent surgery, or a history of blood clots, in conjunction with constipation.
Choice C rationale:
A platelet count of 45,000/mm^3 is low (thrombocytopenia), but it does not directly increase the risk of PE.
In fact, a low platelet count can sometimes hinder clot formation. However, it's important to monitor patients with thrombocytopenia for bleeding risks, as they may be more prone to bleeding complications.
Choice D rationale:
While receiving a transfusion of two units of packed red blood cells can increase blood viscosity, which could theoretically slightly increase the risk of PE, it is not a major risk factor.
Patients who receive transfusions are often already at an elevated risk of PE due to other underlying conditions or surgeries. It's essential to assess for other risk factors in these patients.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.