A nurse provides education to a client on buccal medication. Which statement by the client indicates effective learning?

Rationale:

A. The frequency of medication administration is not missing. The prescription states “daily,” which clearly indicates how often the medication should be given. Therefore, frequency is included.

B. The medication administration route is missing. A complete medication prescription must include the medication name, dose, route, frequency, and often the indication. Although the drug (metoprolol), dose (50 mg), and frequency (daily) are provided, the route (such as PO or IV) is not specified. Since metoprolol can be administered by different routes depending on the formulation and clinical situation, the nurse must clarify the route before administering the medication.

C. Parameters to hold the medication, such as holding for a low heart rate or low blood pressure, may be clinically appropriate but are not required components of a basic medication prescription. Therefore, their absence does not make the order incomplete.

D. The prescription is not complete because the route of administration is missing, which is an essential component of a safe and legal medication order.

Rationale:

• Upward is correct because in adults the ear canal slopes upward. Pulling the pinna upward helps straighten the external auditory canal to allow the medication to flow properly.
• Outward is correct because pulling the pinna outward further straightens the ear canal, ensuring the ear drops reach the intended area effectively.
• Downward is incorrect because pulling the pinna downward is appropriate for infants and young children under 3 years of age, not adults.
• Inward is incorrect because pushing the pinna inward would not straighten the ear canal and could cause discomfort or improper administration of the medication.