A nurse is administering 4 mg of hydromorphone to a client by mouth every 4 hr. The medication is provided as hydromorphone 8 mg per tablet. Which of the following actions is appropriate for the nurse to take?
Return the remaining medication to the facility's pharmacy.
Dispose of the remaining ’edication while another nurse observes.
Store the remaining half of the pill in the automated medication dispensing system.
Place the remaining half of the pill in the unit-dose package.
None
None
The Correct Answer is B
Answer: B. Dispose of the remaining medication while another nurse observes.
Rationale:
A) Return the remaining medication to the facility's pharmacy: Return the remaining medication to the facility's pharmacy: This is not typical practice for partial doses of controlled substances like hydromorphone. The pharmacy usually does not accept leftover portions of such medications.
B) Dispose of the remaining medication while another nurse observes: This is the correct and appropriate action. When administering controlled substances, any unused portion must be properly disposed of to prevent misuse or diversion. Having another nurse observe and document the disposal ensures accountability and adherence to safety protocols.
C) Store the remaining half of the pill in the automated medication dispensing system: Storing a partial tablet of a controlled substance is not appropriate. The automated medication dispensing system is designed to store and dispense whole doses of medication as prescribed. Storing partial tablets can lead to confusion, contamination, and potential misuse. It also increases the risk of medication errors, as the partial dose may not be easily identifiable or accurately accounted for.
D) Place the remaining half of the pill in the unit-dose package: his practice is not acceptable for controlled substances due to the risk of misuse, contamination, and the potential for medication errors. Controlled substances require strict handling and disposal procedures to ensure safety and compliance with regulatory standards. Placing a partial tablet back into the unit-dose package does not align with these standards and could lead to inappropriate use or administration.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Respirations deep at a rate of 10/min: This finding indicates respiratory depression, which is a significant concern with morphine administration. Respiratory depression can lead to hypoxia and respiratory arrest, posing a life-threatening situation for the client. Therefore, it is the priority finding that requires immediate intervention, such as reducing the dose of morphine, administering naloxone (an opioid antagonist), or providing respiratory support.
B) Urinary output of 20 mL within 1 hr: While decreased urinary output may indicate potential renal impairment or dehydration, it is not as immediately life-threatening as respiratory depression. However, it should still be monitored and addressed appropriately.
C) Vomiting 30 mL of fluid: Vomiting can be a side effect of morphine but may not require immediate intervention unless it leads to aspiration or dehydration. Nonetheless, it should be closely monitored for complications.
D) Blood pressure 90/60 mm Hg: Hypotension can occur as a side effect of morphine due to its vasodilatory effects. While low blood pressure should be addressed, it is not as immediately life-threatening as respiratory depression. Monitoring and appropriate interventions, such as fluid administration or adjusting the dose of morphine, can be implemented to manage hypotension.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Distended neck veins: Distended neck veins are typically associated with fluid volume excess rather than deficit. In heart failure, venous congestion can cause jugular venous distention, indicating fluid volume overload rather than deficit. Therefore, this finding would not suggest fluid volume deficit in a client with heart failure receiving furosemide.
B) Elevated hematocrit level: Fluid volume deficit, also known as dehydration or hypovolemia, is characterized by a loss of both water and electrolytes from the body, leading to a relative increase in the concentration of red blood cells and other blood components. This increase in concentration results in an elevated hematocrit level, which is a common laboratory finding in clients with fluid volume deficit. Furosemide, a loop diuretic, is commonly used to manage fluid overload in clients with heart failure by promoting diuresis and reducing excess fluid retention. However, excessive diuresis with furosemide can lead to fluid volume deficit if not adequately monitored and managed.
C) Shortness of breath: Shortness of breath is a common symptom of heart failure, particularly when fluid accumulates in the lungs (pulmonary edema) due to fluid volume overload. While shortness of breath may be present in both fluid volume deficit and excess, it is more commonly associated with fluid volume overload in clients with heart failure.
D) Weight gain: Weight gain is indicative of fluid volume excess rather than deficit. In heart failure, weight gain often occurs due to fluid retention, reflecting an increase in total body water and extracellular fluid volume. Monitoring weight is essential in managing heart failure and assessing fluid status, but weight gain would not suggest fluid volume deficit in a client receiving furosemide for heart failure management.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.