A nurse is preparing to administer an opioid analgesic IM to a client. The vial contains 2 mg of medication, but the client's prescription is for 1 mg. After administering the medication, which of the following actions should the nurse take when handling the remaining medication in the vial?
Discard the vial with the remaining medication in the sharp container.
Have another nurse witness the disposal of the remaining medication.
Draw up the remaining 1 mg in a syringe and label it with the contents, date, and time.
Store the vial in the client's medication drawer for future use.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason:
Discarding the vial with the remaining medication in the sharp container is inappropriate. This would result in unnecessary waste of the medication and could lead to increased healthcare costs.
Choice B Reason:
Having another nurse witness the disposal of the remaining medication is inappropriate. Witnessing the disposal is typically required for controlled substances, but in this situation, it's more appropriate to use the remaining medication with appropriate documentation.
Choice C Reason:
Drawing up the remaining 1 mg in a syringe and label it with the contents, date, and time is appropriate. This approach minimizes medication wastage and allows for appropriate documentation of the extra dose drawn up. However, it is crucial to label the syringe clearly with the contents, date, and time to avoid any potential errors or confusion. This labeled syringe can then be used for subsequent doses, as long as it remains within the medication's expiration period and adheres to institutional policies.
Choice D Reason:
Storing the vial in the client's medication drawer for future use is inappropriate. Keeping the vial for future use without appropriate documentation is not recommended, as it may lead to medication errors or confusion.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
"Your doctor has an excellent reputation for being honest with clients." This response is incorrect. While intending to provide reassurance, this statement may come across as dismissive of the client's feelings and might not address their immediate concern.
Choice B Reason:
"Why do you think the doctor is lying?" This response is incorrect. This response might come off as confrontational or defensive. It could potentially escalate the client's emotions and not effectively address their feelings of being misled.
Choice C Reason:
"You feel as if the doctor hasn't been honest with you?" This response acknowledges the client's emotions and concerns without making assumptions about the doctor's actions. It demonstrates empathy and allows the client to express their feelings and concerns further.
Choice D Reason:
"I am certain the doctor would not lie to you." This response might be perceived as dismissive or invalidating of the client's feelings and beliefs, as it asserts the nurse's certainty without fully understanding the client's perspective.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Muscle weakness is incorrect. Muscle weakness can be a symptom of hyperkalemia (elevated potassium levels). However, it is not the most urgent symptom, and the provider should be informed to address the underlying cause.
Choice B Reason:
Paresthesias is incorrect. Paresthesias (tingling or numbness) can also occur with hyperkalemia. While important to assess, it may not be the most urgent symptom requiring immediate attention.
Choice C Reason:
Abdominal cramps is incorrect. Abdominal cramps can be associated with hyperkalemia, but they are not the most critical symptom. It's essential to address the underlying cause, but it may not require immediate intervention compared to other symptoms.
Choice D Reason:
Palpitations is correct. Palpitations are a concerning symptom, especially in the context of hyperkalemia. Elevated potassium levels can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, and palpitations may be indicative of serious cardiac complications. This is a critical finding that requires immediate attention from the healthcare provider.
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