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 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 B
Explanation
A. Medication: The prescription specifies escitalopram, which is a well-known selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat depression. There is no ambiguity regarding the medication itself, making this aspect clear.
B. Time: While escitalopram can be taken at any time of day, it is important to clarify whether it should be taken in the morning or evening, especially if the client has a history of sleep disturbances. This timing can impact the client's daily routine and overall treatment effectiveness, so confirming the preferred time for administration is essential.
C. Dose: The prescribed dose of 10 mg daily falls within the typical therapeutic range for escitalopram. This dosage is standard for initiating treatment, so there is no need for clarification on this point.
D. Route: The prescription states that the medication is to be taken orally, which is the standard route for escitalopram. There is no confusion regarding the route of administration, making this aspect clear as well.