A client is attempting to put pills in his mouth from a medicine cup and drops one pill on the bed sheet. The nurse should:
discard the pill and get another from the dose pack.
scoop up the pill in a soufflé cup and hand the cup to the client.
retrieve the pill from the linens and allow the client to take it.
report the loss of the pill as a medication error.
The Correct Answer is A
A) Discard the pill and get another from the dose pack: This option is the most appropriate action. Once a pill has fallen onto the bed linens, it may be contaminated and should not be administered to the client. The nurse should discard the dropped pill and provide a new one to ensure patient safety and maintain hygiene standards.
B) Scoop up the pill in a soufflé cup and hand the cup to the client: This action is inappropriate as it fails to address potential contamination. A pill that has fallen onto bedding may carry bacteria or other pathogens, so it should not be given to the client even if it is retrieved in a different container.
C) Retrieve the pill from the linens and allow the client to take it: This option is unsafe and violates infection control protocols. Giving a pill that has been dropped on bedding poses a risk of contamination and should be avoided.
D) Report the loss of the pill as a medication error: While reporting medication errors is important, in this case, the action taken (discarding the pill and providing a new one) aligns with best practices. The loss of one pill due to a drop does not constitute a medication error in the same sense as an administration mistake, so this option is not necessary.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Cerumen or drainage is occluding the ear canal: While cerumen or drainage can cause discomfort, it is less likely to be the direct cause of dizziness following the administration of eardrops. Dizziness is more commonly associated with changes in pressure or temperature in the ear.
B) Too much pressure was applied during instillation, with subsequent injury to the eardrum: Although excessive pressure can lead to injury, the immediate symptom of dizziness after eardrop administration is more closely related to other factors, particularly temperature or positioning.
C) The client failed to remain in the side-lying position long enough: This option is incorrect because not maintaining the position may affect medication absorption but is unlikely to cause immediate dizziness and nausea.
D) The medication was too cold when it was administered: This is the most likely cause of the dizziness. Cold eardrops can cause a rapid change in temperature within the ear canal, potentially stimulating the vestibular system and leading to dizziness or vertigo. It is generally recommended to warm eardrops to body temperature before administration to minimize this risk.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) "I should let the medication dissolve completely": This statement is correct and indicates that the client understands the proper administration of buccal medication. Buccal medications are designed to dissolve slowly between the gum and cheek, allowing for absorption directly into the bloodstream.
B) "I can only drink water, not juice, with this medication": This option is not accurate for buccal medications. While it is important to avoid swallowing the medication prematurely, there are generally no restrictions against consuming juice unless specified by the healthcare provider.
C) "I better chew my medication first for faster distribution": This statement indicates a misunderstanding. Buccal medications should not be chewed, as this can interfere with the intended slow release and absorption of the medication.
D) "I will place the medication in the same location": While placing the medication in the buccal pouch is important, it is not necessary to place it in the same exact spot every time. Rotating the site can help prevent irritation. This statement does not indicate a complete understanding of the proper technique.