A nurse is measuring a client's oral temperature. The client informs the nurse that he has just eaten some ice chips. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A reason:

Having another nurse witness the wasted medication is a standard procedure in healthcare settings to ensure accountability and prevent misuse of controlled substances. This practice helps maintain a record of the amount of medication wasted and provides a second verification, ensuring compliance with regulations and institutional policies.

Choice B reason:

Returning the wasted medication to the medication dispenser is not an appropriate practice. Medication dispensers are designed to store medications in their original, intact forms, and returning partially used doses can lead to contamination or misuse. Additionally, it does not comply with protocols for controlled substance disposal.

Choice C reason:

Placing the wasted portion of the medication in the sharps container is incorrect. Sharps containers are meant for disposing of needles and other sharp objects, not for liquid medications. This practice does not ensure proper disposal of controlled substances and could pose a safety risk.

Choice D reason:

Exiting the medication room to call the healthcare provider for an order matching the dosages is unnecessary and impractical. The correct procedure involves documenting the waste and having a second nurse witness it, rather than seeking additional orders.

Choice A reason:

Restraint during a seizure can lead to injury. It is important to allow the seizure to run its course while ensuring the client is safe from harm. The priority is to protect the client from injury without restraining them, as this can cause fractures or muscle damage.

Choice B reason:

Moving objects away from the client helps prevent injury during a seizure. Clearing the area ensures that the client does not hit anything during the convulsions, reducing the risk of injury. This is a safe and effective measure to protect the client.

Choice C reason:

Placing the client on their back is not recommended during a seizure as it can increase the risk of aspiration if the client vomits. Instead, the client should be turned onto their side (recovery position) to keep the airway clear and prevent choking.

Choice D reason:

Inserting a padded tongue blade into the client’s mouth is outdated and dangerous. It can cause dental damage or block the airway. There is also a risk of injury to both the client and the person attempting to insert the object. It is no longer recommended.