When reviewing the admitting prescriptions for a client, the nurse notes that the dose of one medication is three times the usual dose of this medication. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Contact the pharmacy and confirm that the dosage is safe to administer.
Inform the charge nurse and administer the dose of the medication the provider prescribed.
Ask another nurse to verify that the dosage is appropriate for the client.
Contact the provider to question the dosage.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Contacting the pharmacy may provide information, but the nurse's primary responsibility is to clarify the prescription with the provider, as they ordered the medication.
B. Informing the charge nurse and administering the medication without verifying the dosage is inappropriate and could potentially harm the client.
C. Asking another nurse to verify the dosage is a good practice but does not address the need for clarification from the provider.
D. Contacting the provider to question the dosage is the correct action, as it ensures patient safety by confirming the appropriateness of the prescribed dose before administration.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Performing the final medication check in the area where the medication was obtained does not ensure the correct patient is receiving the medication.
B. Documenting after administration does not allow for a final check of the medication against the patient’s identity and allergies.
C. Performing the final check at the client's bedside before administration allows the nurse to confirm the patient's identity, the medication's appropriateness, and the dosage immediately before giving it.
D. Reviewing the prescription at the nurses' station may not account for patient-specific factors that need to be confirmed at the bedside.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Assessing the pedal pulses with a Doppler device is not necessary in this situation; the focus should be on the apical pulse due to the irregularity noted in the radial pulse.
B. Assessing the pedal pulses for a full minute does not address the irregularity of the radial pulse and is not the priority.
C. While assessing the apical pulse is appropriate, using a Doppler device is not required unless there are difficulties in obtaining the pulse normally.
D. Assessing the apical pulse for a full minute is the correct action because it provides a more accurate reflection of the heart's rhythm and rate, especially when there is an irregular radial pulse.