A nurse is caring for a client who requests prescription pain medication. Which of the following actions should the nurse perform first?
Determine the location of the pain.
Reposition the client.
Administer the medication.
Review the effects of the pain medication.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Determining the location of the pain is the first step, as it helps the nurse understand the nature and source of the pain, guiding appropriate intervention and medication administration.
B. Repositioning the client may provide comfort but should follow an assessment of the pain to ensure targeted interventions.
C. Administering the medication without understanding the specifics of the pain is inappropriate, as it may not adequately address the client’s needs.
D. Reviewing the effects of the pain medication is important but should occur after assessing the pain to ensure the correct medication is administered based on the client’s specific situation.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Performing the final medication check in the area where the medication was obtained does not ensure the correct patient is receiving the medication.
B. Documenting after administration does not allow for a final check of the medication against the patient’s identity and allergies.
C. Performing the final check at the client's bedside before administration allows the nurse to confirm the patient's identity, the medication's appropriateness, and the dosage immediately before giving it.
D. Reviewing the prescription at the nurses' station may not account for patient-specific factors that need to be confirmed at the bedside.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Discarding the tablet and obtaining another dose is the safest option, as it ensures the medication's integrity and prevents any potential contamination.
B. Using the tablet's packaging to pick it up is not appropriate as it could introduce contaminants from the surface of the counter to the tablet.
C. Washing the tablet with alcohol is not advisable because it could alter the medication's properties or effectiveness.
D. Placing the tablet directly into a medication cup without addressing its contamination would also be inappropriate and could jeopardize client safety.