A nurse is teaching a newly licensed nurse about expired medications.
Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?
Return the medications to the pharmacy.
Flush the medications down the toilet.
Place the medications back in the medication cart.
Notify the provider about the expired medications.
The Correct Answer is A
Expired medications should not be used and should be disposed of properly. The best way to do this is to return them to the pharmacy for proper disposal.
Choice B is wrong because flushing medications down the toilet can contaminate the water supply and harm the environment.
Choice C is wrong because expired medications should not be placed back in the medication cart as they may accidentally be used.
Choice D is wrong because notifying the provider about expired medications is not necessary as it is the responsibility of the nurse to properly dispose of them.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
- A. Assist the client to a left lateral position.
- This is generally used for clients at risk of aspiration, and it's not indicated based on the lithium level.
- B. Implement fluid restrictions.
- Fluid restrictions are usually implemented when there is a risk of fluid overload or hyponatremia, and not in this case. In fact, dehydration can raise lithium levels to toxic levels, so proper hydration is important.
- C. Request a dosage increase from the provider.
- While 0.6 mEq/L is within the therapeutic range, some providers may want to see a level slightly higher for maintenance. So requesting a dosage increase from the provider is the correct action.
- D. Prepare the client for hemodialysis.
- Hemodialysis is used to remove lithium from the blood in cases of severe lithium toxicity, which is indicated by levels significantly higher than 1.5 mEq/L. This is not needed when the lithium level is 0.6 mEq/L.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Expired medications should not be used and should be disposed of properly. The best way to do this is to return them to the pharmacy for proper disposal.
Choice B is wrong because flushing medications down the toilet can contaminate the water supply and harm the environment.
Choice C is wrong because expired medications should not be placed back in the medication cart as they may accidentally be used.
Choice D is wrong because notifying the provider about expired medications is not necessary as it is the responsibility of the nurse to properly dispose of them.
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