A nurse is preparing to administer buspirone 7.5 mg PO every 12 hr to a client. The amount available is buspirone 15 mg/tablet. How many tablets should the nurse administer per dose?

(Round the answer to the nearest tenth. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)

A. Rotating the staff who administer medications is generally counterproductive for a client with bipolar disorder or suspected non-adherence. Consistency in the nursing staff helps build a therapeutic alliance and trust, which are foundational for successful medication management. Frequent changes in personnel can lead to confusion, increased suspicion, and a lack of accountability in the nurse-client relationship.

B. Engaging the client in conversation immediately following the administration of medication is a subtle but effective clinical intervention. This strategy ensures the client has swallowed the medication by requiring vocalization, which prevents the client from "cheeking" or hiding the dose in the buccal cavity. It provides a non-confrontational method to verify ingestion while maintaining a positive and social therapeutic environment.

C. The use of sustained-release forms or long-acting injectable antipsychotics significantly improves adherence by reducing the frequency of administration. These formulations maintain a stable therapeutic serum concentration over a longer period, which is especially beneficial for clients who struggle with daily regimens. Reducing the burden of medication management minimizes the risk of relapse associated with missed doses.

D. Providing for once-daily dosing is a scientifically proven strategy to enhance medication compliance by simplifying the treatment schedule. Complexity in drug regimens is a primary barrier to adherence, particularly in psychiatric populations where cognitive symptoms may be present. A single daily dose is easier for the client to incorporate into a routine, thereby increasing the likelihood of long-term therapy maintenance.

E. Performing mouth checks following the administration of medication is a direct nursing intervention used to confirm that the client has truly swallowed the dose. This process involves a respectful but thorough inspection of the oral cavity, including under the tongue and along the gum lines. It is a standard safety protocol in mental health settings to ensure the delivery of prescribed psychiatric treatment.

B. "Describe what the pill looks like":

This is the correct response. Asking the client to describe the pill they usually take helps to verify whether the medication being administered matches the client's usual medication. It allows the nurse to confirm whether the client's concern is due to a legitimate difference in appearance or if there might be a potential medication error.

A. "This pill is probably from a different lot number than yours at home":

While lot numbers can vary between batches of medication, this response does not directly address the client's concern about the difference in appearance. It's important to prioritize addressing the client's immediate concerns and verifying the medication's identity.

C. "This hospital might use a different manufacturer, but the medication is the same":

While this response reassures the client about the medication's efficacy, it does not directly address the client's concern about the difference in appearance. Verifying the medication's identity based on the client's description is essential before proceeding with administration.

D. "This is the medication prescribed by your provider":

This response does not address the client's concern about the difference in appearance and may not alleviate their apprehension. Verifying the medication's identity based on the client's description is necessary to ensure the correct medication is administered.