A nurse is receiving a telephone prescription from a provider for a client who requires additional medication for pain control. Which of the following entries should the nurse make in the medical record?
"Morphine 3 mg SQ every 4 hr PRN for pain."
"Morphine 3.0 mg sub q every 4 hr PRN for pain."
"Morphine 3 mg subcutaneous every 4 hr PRN for pain."
"Morphine 3 mg SC q4hr PRN for pain.”
The Correct Answer is C
Rationale:
A. "Morphine 3 mg SQ every 4 hr PRN for pain.": The abbreviation "SQ" is considered unsafe and can be misinterpreted. The Joint Commission recommends avoiding this abbreviation and writing out "subcutaneous" to ensure clarity and patient safety.
B. "Morphine 3.0 mg sub q every 4 hr PRN for pain.": Using a trailing zero (e.g., "3.0 mg") increases the risk of a dosing error if the decimal point is missed. Standard documentation practices recommend omitting trailing zeros for whole numbers.
C. "Morphine 3 mg subcutaneous every 4 hr PRN for pain.": This entry uses the full name "subcutaneous," avoids unsafe abbreviations, and omits the trailing zero, adhering to safe and standardized medication documentation guidelines.
D. "Morphine 3 mg SC q4hr PRN for pain.": Both "SC" and "q4hr" are discouraged abbreviations. "SC" can be confused with "SL" (sublingual), and "q" abbreviations can be misread. Writing terms in full reduces the risk of misinterpretation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Veracity: Veracity involves telling the truth and providing accurate information. While important in building trust, it is not the ethical principle most relevant to offering emotional presence during grief.
B. Fidelity: Fidelity refers to being faithful to promises and responsibilities, including maintaining confidentiality and following through on care. It does not specifically reflect the act of offering comfort in grief.
C. Beneficence: Beneficence is the act of doing good and promoting the well-being of others. By sitting with the grieving client to provide comfort, the nurse is demonstrating compassion and aiming to alleviate suffering.
D. Autonomy: Autonomy refers to respecting a client’s right to make their own decisions regarding care. While essential in healthcare, it does not directly relate to the nurse’s compassionate presence during bereavement.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Institutional policies and procedures: While helpful in guiding facility-specific protocols, policies do not override state regulations. An institution may allow tasks that exceed or fall short of legal scope, so this should not be the primary reference.
B. Written prescription from the provider: A provider’s order does not define or expand a nurse’s legal scope of practice. Even with a valid order, the nurse must independently verify whether they are legally permitted to carry out the task.
C. State Nurse Practice Act: The Nurse Practice Act (NPA) is the legal authority that defines what licensed nurses are permitted to do in their state. It is the most authoritative resource to determine whether a task is within the nurse’s legal scope of practice.
D. Verbal direction from the nurse manager: Even when given by a superior, verbal instructions must still comply with state law. A nurse manager’s guidance cannot authorize a task that lies outside the nurse’s legal scope.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.