A client with emphysema who is receiving a bronchodilator reports to the practical nurse (PN) feelings of jitters and dry mouth. Which finding should the PN record as a measure of the medication’s effectiveness?

Choice A reason: The cost of medications, while a practical concern, does not indicate a need to assess the prescription’s safety or appropriateness. It reflects financial issues, not a clinical discrepancy. The PN should address cost concerns separately, but this does not warrant immediate prescription review.

Choice B reason: Frustration with daily pill-taking reflects emotional fatigue, not a clinical issue requiring prescription assessment. It may prompt adherence counseling, but it does not suggest errors in the prescription itself, such as incorrect medication or dosage, making this choice incorrect.

Choice C reason: Taking pills at 8:00 am at home versus 9:00 am in the hospital is a minor timing difference, not necessitating prescription review. Hospital schedules often differ, and this does not indicate a safety concern or error in the medication order.

Choice D reason: A new, unfamiliar pill raises concerns about potential prescription errors, allergies, or inappropriate medication. The PN must verify the prescription against the client’s history and medical record to ensure safety, as unfamiliarity may indicate a mistake or new therapy requiring confirmation.

Choice A reason: Taking medications with food may reduce gastric irritation but does not prevent anaphylactic reactions to penicillin, which are immune-mediated. This advice is irrelevant for avoiding future allergic responses, as it does not address the systemic hypersensitivity triggered by penicillin exposure.

Choice B reason: A medic alert bracelet is critical for a client with a penicillin anaphylaxis history, as it alerts healthcare providers to avoid penicillin, preventing potentially fatal allergic reactions. Anaphylaxis involves IgE-mediated histamine release, and re-exposure risks rapid, life-threatening symptoms, making this the most important instruction.

Choice C reason: Keeping epinephrine is useful for managing anaphylaxis but is secondary to prevention. A medic alert bracelet proactively avoids penicillin exposure, reducing the need for emergency intervention. Epinephrine treats symptoms but does not address the root cause of re-exposure risk.

Choice D reason: Taking all prescribed ampicillin is dangerous, as the client had an anaphylactic reaction, indicating a severe allergy. Continuing the drug risks recurrent, potentially fatal reactions. This choice is incorrect, as it contradicts the need to avoid the allergen entirely.