A nurse is reviewing a client's medical history before administering a new prescription for atropine. Which of the following client conditions is contraindicated?

A. “Ask a friend to dispose of the medication in a dumpster”: This is not a safe or recommended method for disposing of unused medications. Medications can be harmful or fatal if they are ingested by children, pets, or anyone for whom they were not prescribed.

B. “Dispose of unused prescription medications in the original packaging”: While it’s important to keep medications in their original packaging while they’re being used, this is not the best method for disposal. The original packaging often contains personal information that should not be shared, and it does not prevent accidental ingestion.

C. “Crush unused opioids and dispose of them in a sealed plastic bag”: Crushing opioids can be dangerous as it can release a potentially lethal dose of the medication. It’s also not recommended to dispose of medications in the regular trash, even if they’re in a sealed bag, as they could still be accessed by children or pets.

D. “Mix unused medications in coffee grounds before disposing of them”: This is the recommended method for disposing of unused medications at home. By mixing medications with an unpalatable substance like coffee grounds, it discourages anyone from ingesting them. The mixture can then be placed in a sealed plastic bag and thrown away in the regular trash. This method helps to prevent accidental ingestion and protects client privacy.

Answer: A. Verify a written order with the medication administration record.

A. Verify a written order with the medication administration record.
This is the correct action to ensure the right medication is administered. The nurse must compare the medication administration record (MAR) with the written order from the provider to confirm that the correct medication has been prescribed and is being administered according to the order.

B. Document the full name of the prescribed medication after administration.
While documentation is important, this step occurs after the medication has been given and does not help in ensuring that the correct medication is administered. Ensuring the right medication is given requires verification before administration, not just documentation afterward.

C. Ask another nurse to check the medication dosage prior to administration.
While it can be helpful to verify the dose with another nurse, this alone does not ensure that the correct medication is being administered. The focus here is on ensuring the right medication itself, which requires verifying the medication order with the MAR.

D. Use two client identifiers prior to administering the medication.
While using two client identifiers ensures the right client is receiving the medication, it does not address the right medication. This step is part of a separate "right" in the medication administration process—ensuring the correct patient.