A nurse is administering a powdered medication to a client.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Document that the medication was administered.
Mix the medication at the client's bedside.
Check the client for allergies.
Determine the client's response to the medication.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Documenting the medication administration is important but should be done after administering the medication. Documentation ensures proper tracking and accountability but does
not address immediate patient safety concerns like checking for allergies.
Choice B rationale
Mixing the medication at the client's bedside may ensure that the medication is prepared correctly and the client receives it promptly, but it doesn't address the critical step of
ensuring the client's safety by checking for allergies first.
Choice C rationale
Checking the client for allergies is crucial before administering any medication, including powdered forms. Allergic reactions can be severe or life-threatening, so it’s essential to
ensure that the client isn’t allergic to the medication. This step ensures the safety and well-being of the client and prevents potential adverse reactions.
Choice D rationale
Determining the client's response to the medication is important for assessing the medication's effectiveness and identifying any adverse reactions, but it occurs after administration.
Checking for allergies precedes all these steps to prevent any initial harm.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Aluminum-containing antacids often cause constipation due to their effect on bowel motility, not diarrhea. They work by neutralizing stomach acid but can lead to decreased bowel movements.
Choice B rationale
Magnesium-containing antacids can cause diarrhea as a side effect. They work by neutralizing stomach acid, and the excess magnesium in the intestines can cause loose stools or diarrhea.
Choice C rationale
Antibiotics can cause diarrhea by disrupting the balance of normal gut bacteria. This disruption can lead to overgrowth of harmful bacteria, such as Clostridium difficile, which can cause diarrhea.
Choice D rationale
Anticholinergics/antispasmodics typically cause constipation rather than diarrhea. They inhibit the parasympathetic nervous system, which slows down gut motility.
Choice E rationale
Opioid narcotics can cause constipation because they slow down the movement of the intestines. They do this by binding to opioid receptors in the gut, which decreases peristalsis.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Documenting the medication administration is important but should be done after administering the medication. Documentation ensures proper tracking and accountability but does
not address immediate patient safety concerns like checking for allergies.
Choice B rationale
Mixing the medication at the client's bedside may ensure that the medication is prepared correctly and the client receives it promptly, but it doesn't address the critical step of
ensuring the client's safety by checking for allergies first.
Choice C rationale
Checking the client for allergies is crucial before administering any medication, including powdered forms. Allergic reactions can be severe or life-threatening, so it’s essential to
ensure that the client isn’t allergic to the medication. This step ensures the safety and well-being of the client and prevents potential adverse reactions.
Choice D rationale
Determining the client's response to the medication is important for assessing the medication's effectiveness and identifying any adverse reactions, but it occurs after administration.
Checking for allergies precedes all these steps to prevent any initial harm.