Before the nurse administers a liquid medication to an 83-year-old male client, the nurse should:
ask the client if he would prefer to give the medication to himself.
assess the swallowing reflex by offering a sip of water.
mix thoroughly in applesauce or pudding.
assess the ability to understand information relative to the medication.
The Correct Answer is B
A) Ask the client if he would prefer to give the medication to himself: While involving the client in their care is important, this option does not assess the client’s ability to safely take the medication. The nurse should first ensure that the client can swallow the medication safely.
B) Assess the swallowing reflex by offering a sip of water: This is the correct action. Assessing the swallowing reflex is essential, especially in older adults, to determine if they can safely swallow liquid medications without risk of aspiration.
C) Mix thoroughly in applesauce or pudding: This option is not appropriate unless specifically ordered or indicated. Mixing medications in food may not be suitable for all clients, and it can affect the medication's absorption or effectiveness. Additionally, it does not assess the client's swallowing ability.
D) Assess the ability to understand information relative to the medication: While this is important, it is secondary to ensuring that the client can physically take the medication safely. Assessing understanding can occur after confirming the client’s ability to swallow the medication.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) 6 weeks from the start of using the inhaler: This option is not accurate. The timing for refilling should be based on the actual usage rather than a fixed period, and 6 weeks may not align with the client’s actual consumption.
B) As soon as the client leaves the hospital: This option is premature. The client does not need to refill the inhaler immediately upon discharge since they may not have used many puffs yet.
C) 50 days after discharge: This is the correct answer. If the client is to administer 2 puffs twice daily, that totals 4 puffs per day. With 200 puffs in the inhaler, the inhaler would last for 50 days (200 puffs ÷ 4 puffs per day = 50 days). Advising the client to refill the medication approximately 50 days after discharge ensures they have enough medication available.
D) When the inhaler is half empty: This option could lead to refilling too early or too late, depending on the individual’s usage pattern. Advising to refill based on a specific number of days or puffs used provides a more precise recommendation.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Application of a transdermal patch: The application of transdermal patches is typically within the scope of licensed nursing personnel due to the need for appropriate placement, potential absorption risks, and proper documentation. This task requires understanding of the medication's effects, which is outside the scope of a UAP’s duties.
B) Use of MDIs: Metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) involve medication administration, which requires client assessment, monitoring of technique, and evaluation of response to therapy. These are skills that a UAP is not trained to handle, as they fall within a licensed nurse's responsibilities.
C) Application of a skin barrier cream to the perineal area: UAPs can apply non-medicated skin barrier creams to protect the skin in the perineal area, as it is a basic care activity. This task does not require specialized training in medication administration and is within the typical role of a UAP for maintaining skin integrity.
D) Instillation of eye drops: Administering eye drops involves medication administration, which includes proper technique, dosing, and monitoring for side effects, making it a task for licensed nursing personnel rather than a UAP.
E) Inserting rectal medications: Rectal medication insertion is a more advanced procedure that requires medication administration knowledge, correct positioning, and monitoring, which are responsibilities designated for licensed nursing staff, not a UAP.
F) Instillation of ear drops: Administering ear drops requires an understanding of dosing, technique, and monitoring for adverse effects, all of which are beyond the scope of practice for UAPs and are typically carried out by licensed nursing staff.
G) Inserting vaginal medications: Vaginal medication administration requires understanding of proper technique and monitoring for therapeutic effects or side effects, which necessitates a licensed nurse’s assessment skills and should not be delegated to a UAP.