A patient is due for a 40-mg dose of furosemide (Lasix) at 9:00 AM on May 5, 2013. The drug label reads "20 mg per tablet." The tablets in the bottle appear firm and unbroken. The expiration date on the bottle reads "April 2, 2013." The best nursing action is to:
Administer one-half tablet.
Administer two tablets.
Call the pharmacy to see if 40-mg tablets are available.
Call the pharmacy for a new bottle of the medication.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Half a tablet (10 mg) underdoses; expired drugs may degrade, and 40 mg is needed for diuresis, risking therapeutic failure in this scenario.
Choice B reason: Two tablets (40 mg) meet the dose but are expired; potency loss post-April 2013 risks inefficacy or toxicity, compromising patient safety.
Choice C reason: Seeking 40-mg tablets ignores expiration; even if available, current stock is outdated, and fresh supply is still required for reliable effect.
Choice D reason: Expired drugs (April 2013) lose potency; a new bottle ensures 40 mg of active furosemide, maintaining efficacy and safety for hypertension or edema.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Multiple pharmacies increase polypharmacy risk; 16 prescriptions across four sources raise chances of duplication or interactions, lacking centralized oversight.
Choice B reason: Five hypertension drugs signal polypharmacy; excessive medications for one condition heighten interaction risks, potentially causing adverse effects or toxicity.
Choice C reason: Daughter’s help with eyedrops aids compliance; this single-task assistance doesn’t inherently increase drug numbers or polypharmacy-related risks.
Choice D reason: Weekly warfarin tests monitor safety; this manages one drug’s effect, not indicating polypharmacy, but rather appropriate therapeutic oversight.
Choice E reason: Allergies affect drug choice, not quantity; this doesn’t contribute to polypharmacy, as it’s a sensitivity issue, not a medication count concern.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: PRN is as needed; EKGs here are routine, not symptom-driven, making this inapplicable to a standard admission protocol for all patients.
Choice B reason: One-time is a single event; this order applies to all admissions ongoing, not a one-off, distinguishing it from limited-duration directives.
Choice C reason: STAT is immediate; routine EKGs aren’t urgent, occurring as part of standard care, not requiring the priority of acute intervention orders.
Choice D reason: Standing orders apply automatically to all qualifying patients; this EKG protocol fits, ensuring consistent cardiac assessment unless overridden.
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