A nurse receives a prescription stating, "Aspirin 325 mg, 2 tablets orally for pain." When preparing to administer this medication to a patient reporting pain, what is the nurse's best course of action?
Clarify with the prescribing provider whether the order is to be given routinely or as needed (PRN), and determine the frequency of administration before giving the medication.
Administer 2 tablets of aspirin immediately, as the dose is clearly stated and the patient reports pain.
Hold the medication and wait for the patient to request it again to confirm continued pain before administering.
Give one tablet now and the second tablet after 30 minutes if pain persists, following standard pain management protocols.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Clarify with the prescribing provider whether the order is to be given routinely or as needed (PRN), and determine the frequency of administration before giving the medication: The prescription does not specify whether it is PRN or scheduled, nor the minimum interval between doses. Clarification ensures safe, legal, and appropriate administration.
B. Administer 2 tablets of aspirin immediately, as the dose is clearly stated and the patient reports pain: Administering the medication without clarification could result in inappropriate dosing or exceed safe daily limits. Dose amount alone does not confirm safe timing or frequency.
C. Hold the medication and wait for the patient to request it again to confirm continued pain before administering: While assessing pain is important, withholding medication without clarification from the provider could delay pain relief and does not address the ambiguity in the order.
D. Give one tablet now and the second tablet after 30 minutes if pain persists, following standard pain management protocols: Altering the prescribed dose without provider instruction is unsafe and constitutes medication error. Standard protocols cannot override unclear prescriptions without clarification.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. The concentration in the patient's blood or serum through the use of lab tests: Measuring drug concentration in the blood provides information about therapeutic levels but does not define half-life. Lab monitoring helps guide dosing but is separate from the pharmacokinetic concept of half-life.
B. The biotransformation as it accumulates in the body: Biotransformation refers to the metabolism of a drug, usually in the liver, into active or inactive forms. Accumulation can occur with repeated dosing, but this is not the definition of half-life.
C. The tolerance level when a drug is used frequently: Tolerance develops when repeated drug exposure reduces its effect, requiring higher doses for the same response. Tolerance is a pharmacodynamic phenomenon, not related to half-life.
D. The time it takes for the amount of a drug's active substance in your body to reduce by half: Half-life is a pharmacokinetic measure that reflects how quickly a drug is eliminated from the body. It guides dosing intervals, helps predict steady-state concentrations, and determines the duration of action.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Fluid shift: Third-spacing refers to the movement of fluid from the intravascular or intracellular compartments into interstitial or potential spaces where it is physiologically unavailable. This can lead to hypovolemia, edema, and decreased tissue perfusion. Common causes include burns, severe infections, and liver or kidney disease.
B. Fluid transfer: Fluid transfer is a nonspecific term and does not capture the pathophysiologic concept of fluid accumulation in nonfunctional compartments. It lacks the clinical significance associated with third-spacing.
C. Fluid retention: Fluid retention generally refers to the overall accumulation of fluid in the body, often within the vascular or interstitial space, but does not specifically describe fluid sequestered in a third space.
D. Fluid expansion: Fluid expansion refers to increasing circulating volume, often through intravenous fluid administration. It does not describe the pathological movement of fluid into compartments where it is unavailable for normal physiologic use.
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.