A nurse is preparing to administer cefadroxil oral suspension 15 mg/kg PO to a client who weighs 98 lb. Available is cefadroxil 250 mg/5 mL. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Round the amount to be administered to the nearest whole number.
Calculate the dosage in milligrams.
Calculate the dosage in milliliters.
Convert the client's weight to kilograms.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Rounding the amount to be administered to the nearest whole number is a step that may be necessary, but it should not be the first action taken. The nurse should first ensure that the dosage calculation is accurate and based on the client's weight in kilograms. Once the dosage in milligrams is calculated, rounding can be considered.
Choice B rationale:
Calculating the dosage in milligrams is an essential step, but it is not the first action the nurse should take. To determine the correct dosage in milligrams, the nurse needs to convert the client's weight from pounds to kilograms first, as the medication order is given in milligrams per kilogram.
Choice C rationale:
Calculating the dosage in milliliters is not the first action to take because the medication is available in milligrams, and the order is based on weight in kilograms. Converting the weight to kilograms is the initial step to ensure that the dose is calculated correctly.
Choice D rationale:
Converting the client's weight to kilograms is the first and most crucial step in this dosage calculation. The medication order is given in milligrams per kilogram, and the client's weight is provided in pounds. To ensure accurate dosing, the nurse must convert the weight to kilograms, as this is the foundation for calculating the correct dosage in milligrams.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is: A
Choice A reason: Providing the nurse administering medications with an identifying vest can help reduce medication errors by making it easier for other staff and patients to identify the nurse responsible for medication administration. This can minimize interruptions and distractions, which are common causes of medication errors. It also serves as a visual reminder to the nurse of their critical role in medication safety.
Choice B reason: Removing medications from automatic dispensing systems before they are reviewed by pharmacists is not a recommended practice. Pharmacists play a crucial role in reviewing prescriptions for accuracy and potential drug interactions before dispensing. Therefore, medications should remain in the dispensing system until they have been properly reviewed and approved by a pharmacist.
Choice C reason: Waiting to document medications given to clients until the end of a shift is not advisable. Accurate and timely documentation is essential in healthcare, particularly when it comes to medication administration. Documentation should occur as soon as the medication is given to ensure that all healthcare providers have up-to-date information and to prevent errors such as omissions or duplications.
Choice D reason: Preparing medications for multiple clients at the same time increases the risk of errors, such as mix-ups between patients or incorrect dosing. It is best practice to prepare and administer medications for one client at a time, following the ‘five rights’ of medication administration: the right patient, the right drug, the right dose, the right route, and the right time.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
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