A nurse opens a unit-dose of a prescribed medication prior to administering it to a client.
The client refuses to take the medication. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Return the opened medication to the medication cart.
Report the incident to the provider.
Fill out an incident report.
Notify the facility's ethics committee.
Notify the facility's ethics committee.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Returning the opened medication to the medication cart is inappropriate because once a medication is opened and refused by a client, it must be disposed of properly. This action helps maintain safety and prevents contamination.
Choice B rationale
Reporting the incident to the provider is not necessary in this context as the refusal to take medication can be managed by the nurse by following the facility's protocol.
Choice C rationale
Filling out an incident report is required because the client's refusal to take the medication is considered a significant event. Incident reports are used to document and analyze such events to improve patient care and safety.
Choice D rationale
Notifying the facility's ethics committee is unnecessary for a medication refusal incident, as it does not involve an ethical dilemma requiring their intervention.
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View Related questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Hypothermia is not commonly associated with diarrhea. Diarrhea typically leads to fluid loss and dehydration rather than changes in body temperature.
Choice B rationale
A rigid abdomen is not a typical finding for diarrhea. It may indicate other gastrointestinal issues, such as peritonitis, rather than dehydration caused by diarrhea.
Choice C rationale
Decreased bowel sounds are not typically expected with diarrhea, which often presents with increased bowel sounds due to increased motility.
Choice D rationale
Dehydration is a common finding in clients with diarrhea due to the excessive loss of fluids and electrolytes from frequent, loose stools. It can lead to symptoms such as dry mouth, reduced urine output, and dizziness.
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.