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?
Dispose of the remaining medication 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.
Return the remaining medication to the facility's pharmacy.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Dispose of the remaining medication while another nurse observes:
This is the correct choice. When a nurse administers a fraction of a tablet, it is not safe or appropriate to store the remaining portion for future use, even if another dose is scheduled. Hydromorphone tablets are meant to be taken whole, and cutting or breaking them can lead to inconsistent dosages. It's important to follow safe medication administration practices and dispose of the unused portion while another nurse observes, ensuring proper disposal.
B. Store the remaining half of the pill in the automated medication dispensing system:
This choice is incorrect. Storing a fraction of a tablet in the automated medication dispensing system is not appropriate. The system is designed for intact medications, and splitting tablets could compromise the accuracy and safety of future doses.
C. Place the remaining half of the pill in the unit-dose package:
This choice is incorrect. Placing a partial tablet back into a unit-dose package could lead to confusion and potential administration errors in the future. The medication packaging should reflect the correct and complete dosage as prescribed.
D. Return the remaining medication to the facility's pharmacy:
This choice is incorrect. Returning a partially used tablet to the pharmacy is not advisable, as the pharmacy cannot ensure the tablet's integrity or accurately verify its dosage. Medication storage and handling standards are in place to ensure patient safety, and using a fraction of a tablet may compromise those standards.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Instruct the client to increase his fluid intake: While adequate fluid intake is generally important for various reasons, increasing fluid intake would not alter the orange-red discoloration caused by rifampin. This side effect is due to the drug's action on body fluids, not dehydration.
B. Prepare the client for dialysis: Dialysis is not indicated for the harmless orange-red discoloration caused by rifampin. Dialysis is typically used for clients with kidney failure or significant electrolyte imbalances, and it would not address this specific side effect.
C. Document this as an expected finding.
Explanation:
Rifampin, an antibiotic commonly used in the treatment of tuberculosis (TB), can cause a harmless side effect known as "orange-red discoloration." This can affect bodily fluids such as urine, sweat, and tears. This is not a harmful effect and does not indicate a need for any specific intervention. Therefore, the nurse should document this as an expected finding due to the client's use of rifampin.
D. Check the client's liver function test results: The orange-red discoloration is not related to liver function, so checking liver function test results would not provide relevant information about this particular side effect.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Pedal edema
Explanation: Pedal edema (swelling of the feet) is not a typical sign of an acute infusion reaction to IV amphotericin B.
B. Fever
Explanation: Fever is a common sign of an acute infusion reaction, indicating an inflammatory response to the medication.
An acute infusion reaction to IV amphotericin B is most commonly characterized by fever and chills, as well as other flu-like symptoms such as headache, muscle or joint pain, and sometimes a dry cough. Fever is a key indicator of an acute reaction to amphotericin B, and the presence of fever during or after administration should raise concern and prompt the nurse to take appropriate action, including notifying the healthcare provider and discontinuing the infusion.
Pedal edema and hyperglycemia are not typically associated with acute infusion reactions to amphotericin B and are not common manifestations of this type of reaction.
C. Hyperglycemia
Explanation: Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) is not typically associated with an acute infusion reaction to IV amphotericin B.
D. Dry cough
Explanation: A dry cough can be a symptom of an acute infusion reaction, potentially indicating irritation or inflammation of the respiratory tract.
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