A client received psyllium this morning. Which assessment finding indicates a therapeutic effect of the medication?

A) "If you do not take it now, it will put you behind schedule.": While the nurse might be concerned about the medication schedule, this response dismisses the client's concern and doesn’t prioritize safety. The nurse should not pressure the client to take the medication before verifying that it is correct.
B) "Let me check the original order before you take it.": This is the best response because it demonstrates a commitment to patient safety. If the client is concerned about the medication, the nurse should take the time to verify the order directly from the original source to ensure the right medication is being given. This approach reassures the client and promotes trust.

C) "It wouldn't be listed here if it were not ordered for you!": This response can come across as dismissive and unprofessional. While it is important that the medication appears on the record, the nurse should still verify it to address the client's concern. Simply relying on the medication record without confirmation is not the best course of action.

D) "It's listed here on the medication sheet, so you should take it.": Similar to option C, this response dismisses the client’s concern and does not prioritize verifying the medication’s accuracy. It could lead to the client feeling their concerns were not taken seriously, which could negatively impact their trust in the care provided.

A) Failed communication: While communication errors can lead to medication mistakes, in this specific scenario, there is no mention of poor communication. The prescription is clear, and the issue is more likely related to the accuracy of the prescribed dose or the nurse’s understanding of it, making "failed communication" a less likely source of error in this case.

B) Dose miscalculation: This is the most likely source of potential error. The medication is ordered as 0.9 mg of ondansetron IV, which is an unusual dosage because the typical dose of ondansetron IV for nausea is usually 4 mg or 8 mg. A dose of 0.9 mg is very specific and could easily be miscalculated, especially if the nurse is not familiar with this specific dosage form or if there’s any confusion regarding the intended dose. This could lead to an error either in preparation or administration of the medication.

C) Lack of client education: While client education is important for many aspects of treatment, it’s not directly related to the potential medication error in this scenario. The nurse’s concern should focus on the accuracy of administering the prescribed dose correctly, not the client’s understanding of the medication.

D) Poor distribution practices: Poor distribution practices may affect the availability or storage of medications, but this is not the likely source of error in this case. The concern here is more about the correct dosage and potential for miscalculation, rather than issues related to drug distribution or storage.