A nurse is reviewing a client's prescription for lorazepam 3 mg PO BID. The nurse should interpret which of the following information from the prescription?
The medication should be administered as needed.
The medication is administered orally.
The nurse should administer 1.5 mg twice daily.
The medication is administered with every meal.
The Correct Answer is B
A. The medication should be administered as needed: This interpretation is incorrect because the prescription specifies a regular dosing schedule of twice daily (BID), indicating that it is not PRN (as needed) but rather a scheduled medication.
B. The medication is administered orally: This is correct as the prescription states "PO," which stands for "per os," meaning the medication is to be taken by mouth. This indicates the route of administration and is essential for ensuring the client receives the medication correctly.
C. The nurse should administer 1.5 mg twice daily: This interpretation is incorrect. The prescription specifically indicates a total dose of 3 mg to be taken, not divided into 1.5 mg doses. The correct administration is 3 mg at each dosing time, totaling 6 mg per day.
D. The medication is administered with every meal: This is not specified in the prescription. The dosing schedule of BID does not imply administration with meals unless explicitly stated. The nurse should follow the prescribed timing and not assume meal-related administration without clear instructions.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
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.
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.