A nurse is caring for a client who has been prescribed a Schedule III controlled substance for moderate pain. Which of the following actions should the nurse take when administering this medication?

Obtain a written prescription from the provider every time

Count and document the remaining supply of medication

Dispose of any unused medication in a sharps container

Administer the medication only by intravenous route

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Correct answer: b) Count and document the remaining supply of medication

Rationale: Schedule III controlled substances are drugs that have a moderate potential for abuse and addiction and are subject to moderate regulations by the DEA. The nurse should count and document the remaining supply of medication every time they administer a Schedule III controlled substance to ensure accuracy and prevent diversion.

Incorrect choices:

a) Obtain a written prescription from the provider every time: This is not required for Schedule III controlled substances, as they can be refilled up to five times within six months by phone or fax. However, this is required for Schedule II controlled substances, which have a higher potential for abuse and addiction.

c) Dispose of any unused medication in a sharps container: This is not an appropriate way to dispose of any unused medication, as it can pose a risk of injury or infection to others. The nurse should dispose of any unused medication by using a DEA-approved disposal company or following the facility's policy.

d) Administer the medication only by intravenous route: This is not required for Schedule III controlled substances, as they can be administered by various routes depending on the formulation and indication. However, some Schedule II controlled substances, such as morphine or fentanyl, are administered only by intravenous route for acute pain management.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Correct answer: c) Assess the client's vital signs and level of consciousness.

Rationale: The first action that the nurse should take when using the nursing process is to assess the client. Assessing the client's vital signs and level of consciousness is essential to determine the severity of the overdose and the need for immediate interventions. The nurse should also monitor the client for signs of respiratory depression, cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, or other complications.

Incorrect choices:
a) Notify the health care provider and request an order for a urine drug screen.: This is an important action, but not the first one. The nurse should notify the health care provider and request an order for a urine drug screen after assessing the client and stabilizing their condition. A urine drug screen can help to identify the type and amount of drugs that the client has ingested and guide the treatment plan.

b) Administer naloxone as prescribed to reverse the effects of opioids.: This is an important action, but not the first one. The nurse should administer naloxone as prescribed to reverse the effects of opioids after assessing the client and confirming that they have signs of opioid toxicity, such as pinpoint pupils, decreased respiratory rate, and decreased level of consciousness. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that can rapidly restore normal respiration and alertness in opioid overdose cases. However, naloxone has no effect on other types of drugs and may precipitate withdrawal symptoms in opioid-dependent clients.

d) Educate the client about the risks and consequences of drug abuse.: This is an important action, but not the first one. The nurse should educate the client about the risks and consequences of drug abuse after assessing the client and ensuring their safety and stability. The nurse should also provide emotional support and refer the client to appropriate resources for substance abuse treatment and recovery.

A. "Schedule I drugs have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse." B. "Schedule II drugs can be refilled up to five times within six months." C. "Schedule III drugs have a lower potential for abuse than Schedule IV drugs." D. "Schedule V drugs are available over-the-counter without a prescription."

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Correct answer: a) "Schedule I drugs have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse."

Rationale: Schedule I drugs, such as heroin, LSD, and ecstasy, are the most restricted category of controlled substances and have no currently accepted medical use in the United States. Schedule II drugs, such as morphine, oxycodone, and cocaine, have a high potential for abuse and can only be dispensed with a written prescription that cannot be refilled. Schedule III drugs, such as codeine, ketamine, and anabolic steroids, have a moderate potential for abuse and can be refilled up to five times within six months with a prescription. Schedule IV drugs, such as diazepam, alprazolam, and zolpidem, have a low potential for abuse and can also be refilled up to five times within six months with a prescription. Schedule V drugs, such as cough syrups with codeine, have the lowest potential for abuse and may be dispensed without a prescription under certain conditions.

Incorrect choices:
b) "Schedule II drugs can be refilled up to five times within six months.": This is incorrect as Schedule II drugs cannot be refilled.
c) "Schedule III drugs have a lower potential for abuse than Schedule IV drugs.": This is incorrect as Schedule III drugs have a higher potential for abuse than Schedule IV drugs.
d) "Schedule V drugs are available over-the-counter without a prescription.": This is incorrect as Schedule V drugs may require a prescription depending on the state law and the amount dispensed.

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A nurse is caring for a client who has been prescribed a Schedule III controlled substance for moderate pain. Which of the following actions should the nurse take when administering this medication?

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Explanation

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