A nurse is caring for a client who is to undergo a bilateral prophylactic mastectomy. The client states that her family opposes her decision. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Choice A reason: Comparing the medication label to the provider’s prescription three times is a safety step during administration, not reconciliation. Reconciliation verifies the client’s home medications against new orders to prevent errors like omissions or duplications. This action occurs post-reconciliation, focusing on administration accuracy, not the initial verification of the medication list.
Choice B reason: Medication reconciliation involves comparing the client’s home medication list to admission prescriptions to ensure continuity and accuracy. This process identifies discrepancies, such as missed medications or incorrect doses, preventing adverse drug events. It requires verifying with the client or family and cross-checking provider orders, making it the cornerstone of safe transitions in care settings.
Choice C reason: Administering medications to treat a condition to the actual prescriptions is unclear and not part of reconciliation. Reconciliation focuses on verifying and documenting medications, not administering them. This option does not align with the systematic process of ensuring all medications are correctly prescribed upon admission, making it incorrect.
Choice D reason: Ensuring administration within 3 hours of the scheduled time relates to medication administration protocols, not reconciliation. Reconciliation verifies the accuracy of the medication list before administration. This step is about timing, not the verification process critical to preventing errors during care transitions, rendering it irrelevant to the task.

Choice A reason: A client with a sealed radiation implant requires strict precautions and monitoring to prevent radiation exposure to others. Early discharge is unsafe due to ongoing treatment needs, so this client is not suitable, making this incorrect.
Choice B reason: A COPD client with a respiratory rate of 24 breaths/min indicates potential instability, requiring monitoring for exacerbation. Early discharge risks decompensation without ensured stability, so this client is not appropriate, making this incorrect.
Choice C reason: A client receiving heparin for DVT needs continuous anticoagulation and monitoring to prevent embolism. Discharging early risks clotting complications, so this client requires ongoing hospital care, making this incorrect for early discharge.
Choice D reason: A client 1 day post-cholecystectomy, if stable, is often ready for discharge, as this surgery is routine with quick recovery. Freeing this bed supports disaster response, aligning with triage principles, making this the correct choice.