A nurse is reviewing a client's prescription for buspirone 1 tablet PO every 12 hr. Before administering this medication, the nurse should ask the provider to add which of the following components of a medication prescription?
Dose
Medication
Route
Frequency
The Correct Answer is A
A. Dose: It is critical to confirm the specific dosage of buspirone (e.g., milligrams per tablet) before administering the medication. The correct dosage ensures that the client receives an effective and safe amount of the drug, optimizing treatment outcomes. Administering an incorrect dose could lead to insufficient therapeutic effects or increased risk of side effects, which can be particularly important in medications affecting anxiety and mood.
B. Medication: The medication is already clearly specified as buspirone in the prescription, so there is no need to add or clarify this component. The clarity of the medication name is crucial for safe administration.
C. Route: The prescription explicitly states the route as "PO" (by mouth), meaning no further clarification or addition is necessary. Clear documentation of the route is vital for ensuring the medication is taken as intended, minimizing the risk of administration errors.
D. Frequency: The frequency of "every 12 hr" is clearly indicated, meaning it does not require any modification. Proper frequency ensures that the medication maintains its effectiveness, and having it specified helps prevent potential overdosing or subtherapeutic dosing.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Clonazepam 0.5 mg PO three times daily: This dosage is common for managing anxiety and can be appropriate for clients experiencing mania, particularly if anxiety symptoms are present. It’s generally considered safe within this range.
B. Lithium 300 mg PO three times daily: This is a standard initial dose for lithium therapy in managing mania, and dosing may be adjusted based on therapeutic levels. Regular monitoring is essential for safety.
C. Risperidone 3.0 mg PO daily: This dosage aligns with typical dosing for managing manic episodes and is within the acceptable therapeutic range for antipsychotic medications. It's commonly used in acute settings.
D. Divalproex 1.5 g PO twice daily: This high dosage raises concern as it significantly exceeds typical recommendations for divalproex. Standard dosing usually starts much lower, and this amount could increase the risk of side effects and toxicity. Clarification with the provider is warranted to ensure safe medication management.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Albuterol metered dose inhaler 2 inhalations every 4 to 6 hr PRN for bronchospasm: This prescription is appropriate for managing acute bronchospasm. Albuterol is commonly used as a rescue inhaler, and the frequency aligns with standard practice for its use.
B. Clozapine 25 mg PO daily: This dosage is appropriate for initiating treatment with clozapine, which often starts at a low dose due to the risk of agranulocytosis. Regular monitoring of blood counts is required but the prescription itself is clear.
C. Haloperidol 0.5 mg PO 2 times each day: This prescription raises a concern due to the formatting error (there is a missing space after "Haloperidol"). The clarity of the dose is crucial, especially with potent medications like haloperidol, and the nurse should confirm the intended dosage to avoid medication errors.
D. Flunisolide 80 mcg inhalation twice daily: This is a standard prescription for a corticosteroid inhaler, used for long-term control of asthma or COPD. The dosage and frequency are appropriate, requiring no further clarification.