A client with chronic kidney disease receives a prescription for darbepoetin alfa 40 mcg subcutaneous every 7 days.

The darbepoetin alfa vial is labeled, "60 mcg/mL." How many mL should the nurse administer? round to the nearest tenth.

The correct answer is Choice C: Assign the remainder of medication administration to another Practical Nurse (PN) who is performing treatments.

Choice A reason: Denying the medication aide’s request to leave before all medications are given does not address the issue at hand and could potentially jeopardize patient care. It is important to acknowledge the medication aide’s request and find an appropriate solution that ensures patient safety and well-being.

Choice B reason: Delegating medication administration to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) who may not have the necessary training or authorization could lead to medication errors, adverse drug reactions, or other negative outcomes. It is essential to adhere to the scope of practice guidelines and facility policies when assigning tasks to UAPs.

Choice C reason: Reassigning the medication administration to another PN with the necessary qualifications and training ensures that patients receive their medications in a safe and timely manner. This action aligns with the practical nurse’s responsibility to supervise and delegate tasks appropriately, maintaining patient safety and upholding the standards of care.

Choice D reason: Documenting why medications were not given to each resident is an important aspect of maintaining accurate and comprehensive patient records. However, it does not address the immediate need to administer medications to residents, and it is not a substitute for ensuring that patients receive their prescribed treatments. Documentation should be completed after the appropriate steps have been taken to administer medications or arrange for an alternative solution.

Choice A rationale:

Providing information about the client's healthcare power of attorney is not the most critical piece of information to report in this situation. The immediate concern is the client's change in mental status and potential medical emergency.

Choice B rationale:

While the reason for the client's admission is important background information, it is not the most urgent information to report in this situation. The priority is addressing the client's acute change in mental status.

Choice C rationale:

The nurse should be aware of the client's currently prescribed medications, but this information does not take precedence over the client's sudden onset of confusion and agitation. Immediate action is needed to address the client's altered mental status.

Choice D rationale:

Increasing confusion and agitation in a client who recently underwent ORIF of the right femur is a significant change in condition and may indicate a medical emergency such as infection, delirium, or other complications. This information should be provided first to alert the healthcare provider to the client's immediate needs.