A nurse is prioritizing care for a client. Which of the following procedures should the nurse perform first?

A. Whisper a series of words softly into one ear.

Explanation: Whispering words into one ear is not part of Weber's test. This action is more relevant to the assessment of hearing acuity and not the lateralization of sound. Weber's test focuses on the perception of sound in relation to both ears, not the ability to hear whispered words.

B. Place an activated tuning fork in the middle of the client's forehead.

Explanation: In Weber's test, a tuning fork is placed in the middle of the client's forehead. The test is designed to assess whether sound lateralizes (moves) to one ear or is heard equally in both ears. If the client perceives the sound more in one ear than the other, it may indicate a hearing imbalance or issue.

C. Deliver a series of high-pitched sounds at random intervals.

Explanation: Delivering high-pitched sounds at random intervals is not part of Weber's test. Weber's test involves a single action – placing an activated tuning fork in the middle of the client's forehead. The purpose is to determine if the client perceives the sound equally in both ears or if there is lateralization. Random intervals and high-pitched sounds are not specified components of this test.

D. Hold an activated tuning fork against the client's mastoid process.

Explanation: While holding a tuning fork against the mastoid process is part of another hearing test called the Rinne test, it is not the appropriate action for the Weber's test. The Rinne test compares air conduction (using the tuning fork near the ear) to bone conduction (using the tuning fork against the mastoid process) to evaluate hearing in each ear. In Weber's test, we are specifically interested in lateralization of sound, not comparing air and bone conduction.

Correct responses:

A. When preparing the medication dosage: Comparing the medication administration record with the medication label during preparation helps ensure the correct medication and dosage are being used.

B. Directly before administering the medication: This final check ensures that the medication being given matches the prescription and the right patient, minimizing the risk of errors.

D. When removing the medication from the medication drawer: This initial check ensures that the medication being retrieved is the correct one as per the medication administration record.

The other options are not directly related to verifying the medication administration record against the medication label:

C. When reconciling counts of controlled substances: This is important for ensuring accurate inventory but is not related to verifying medication administration.

E. At the end of the shift: This is not a time for verifying medication records and labels; it’s more related to end-of-shift documentation and handoff.