A nurse who is preparing to administer medications to a client is unfamiliar with a medication that the client takes at home.
Which of the following resources should the nurse consult?

Choice A rationale:

Consulting a pharmaceutical sales representative is not the best option. While they are knowledgeable about the medications they promote, their primary role is to market their company’s products, and they may not have comprehensive information about other medications.

Choice B rationale:

While a nursing team member can be a valuable resource, they may not have the specific knowledge about the medication in question. It’s also important to remember that medication information can change frequently, and relying on another person’s knowledge may lead to errors.

Choice C rationale:

The client’s family can provide useful information about how the client has been taking the medication at home, but they are unlikely to have detailed pharmacological knowledge about the medication.

Choice D rationale:

A nursing drug guide is a reliable and up-to-date resource that provides comprehensive information about medications, including indications, contraindications, dosages, potential side effects, and interactions. Therefore, when unfamiliar with a medication, the nurse should consult a nursing drug guide.