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 B
Explanation
A. Check a client's peripheral IV site for redness or swelling.
This task involves assessing the client's IV site for signs of complications. While it requires observation and reporting, it may involve some interpretation and judgment. This task is better suited for a licensed nurse.
B. Measure the intake and output of a client who has received furosemide.
Measuring intake and output is a routine task that involves quantifying the fluids a client consumes and eliminates. This is a task that can be appropriately delegated to an assistive personnel (AP) under the supervision and direction of the nurse.
C. Reinforce teaching with a client about crutch-gait walking.
Teaching requires a level of education, explanation, and clarification that goes beyond routine tasks. This is typically a nursing responsibility and should not be delegated to an AP.
D. Assess the pain level of a client who has received acetaminophen.
Pain assessment involves subjective information, and determining the appropriate response may require clinical judgment. This task is better suited for a licensed nurse.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Questioning the client about allergies before the procedure is appropriate. It is essential to assess the client for any allergies, especially to contrast dye, before the procedure. Allergic reactions to contrast dye can range from mild to severe, and prompt identification of potential allergies is crucial to prevent adverse reactions. If the client has a known allergy to the contrast dye, alternative imaging methods or pre-medication may be considered.
Choice B Reason:
Telling the client to increase fluid intake following the procedure is inappropriate. This instruction is relevant post-procedure for the elimination of the contrast dye from the body. However, it is not the priority at this moment, and the client's safety during the procedure takes precedence.
Choice C Reason:
Evaluating the client for claustrophobia is inappropriate. Assessing for claustrophobia is important, especially if the CT scan involves an enclosed space. However, this assessment can typically be conducted in advance of the procedure during the pre-procedure preparations.
Choice D Reason:
Informing the client about the steps of the procedure is inappropriate. Providing information about the procedure is important for the client's understanding and cooperation. However, ensuring the client's safety during the procedure by assessing for potential allergies to the contrast dye comes first.
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