A nurse is preparing to administer nystatin 400,000 units PO every 6 hr. Available is nystatin oral suspension 100,000 units/mL. How many mL should the nurse administer per dose? (Round the answer to the nearest whole number. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)

A. Administer the medication as needed:
Indomethacin is an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) used for pain relief and inflammation control. The prescribed dosage is 100 mg PO initially, followed by 50 mg PO TID (three times a day) with food. The nurse should administer the medication according to this schedule, ensuring the client takes the medication as prescribed to achieve optimal pain relief. The phrase "as needed" should be clarified here. It means the nurse should follow the specific dosing schedule provided in the prescription, ensuring that the medication is taken as prescribed, and not on an "as needed" basis unless stated otherwise by the healthcare provider.

B. Administer the medication twice daily:
This is incorrect. The prescription specifically calls for indomethacin to be administered 100 mg PO initially, then 50 mg PO three times daily (TID), not twice daily. It is important to follow the prescribed frequency for optimal therapeutic effectiveness and to avoid potential underdosing, which could lead to inadequate pain relief.

C. Administer a loading dose of 106 mg PO:
This is not correct. A loading dose is typically used when an initial higher dose is needed to quickly achieve therapeutic levels. The prescribed dose for this client is 100 mg initially, followed by 50 mg TID, which is a standard dosing regimen for indomethacin. A loading dose of 106 mg is not appropriate here, as the prescribed dose is already clearly outlined.

D. Administer the medication 2 hr after meals:
Indomethacin should be taken with food to reduce gastrointestinal irritation, a common side effect of NSAIDs. However, taking the medication 2 hours after meals is appropriate because it helps to ensure that the food is already processed in the stomach, and the medication can be absorbed effectively without causing irritation. Administering the medication immediately after a meal can still cause stomach upset, so spacing it out is often recommended.

E. Administer the medication with a snack:
It is appropriate to administer indomethacin with food or a snack, as this helps to minimize gastric irritation, which is a common side effect of NSAIDs. Giving the medication with a snack is acceptable as long as the food helps buffer the stomach lining and reduces potential gastrointestinal side effects.

A. Fentanyl 25 mcg/hr transderm patch:
Fentanyl 25 mcg/hr transdermal patch is a common and appropriate prescription for pain management in patients with chronic pain, such as those with cancer or opioid-tolerant individuals. The prescribed dosage is within the usual range, and it is delivered transdermally to provide continuous pain relief over 72 hours. The nurse should ensure proper application and monitor for signs of opioid toxicity, especially in opioid-naive patients, but this prescription itself does not require clarification.

B. Meloxicam 15 mg PO daily:
Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), and a dose of 15 mg daily is a standard and effective dose for managing conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. The prescription is appropriate for daily use in adult patients. The nurse should assess for any contraindications like renal impairment, gastrointestinal issues, or cardiovascular risks, but the prescription itself does not need clarification.

C. Docusate sodium 200 mg PO at bedtime:
Docusate sodium is a stool softener used to prevent constipation, particularly in patients with conditions like chronic pain or opioid use. A 200 mg dose is within the acceptable range for adults and is often prescribed for individuals needing regular stool softening. The recommendation to administer it at bedtime is standard practice as it allows for a full night of action. This prescription appears correct, and no clarification is needed.

D. Regular insulin 8 units subcutaneous before meals:
Regular insulin doses should typically be individualized based on the client's blood glucose levels, diet, and insulin sensitivity. A fixed dose of 8 units subcutaneously before meals seems unusual without more context. Insulin dosing is often determined by pre-meal blood glucose levels or carbohydrate intake (using insulin-to-carbohydrate ratios), so prescribing a fixed amount without considering these factors could lead to inappropriate glycemic control. Therefore, the nurse should contact the healthcare provider for clarification about this prescribed insulin dose.