A patient is ordered a phenothiazine antiemetic for treatment of nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy. The nurse will be evaluating for a positive effect. At what time should the nurse administer the drug?

A. Ask a colleague what the order says:

This option involves seeking assistance from a colleague to interpret the illegible handwriting. While collaboration among healthcare professionals is important, relying on a colleague to interpret unclear handwriting may introduce the risk of miscommunication or misinterpretation.

B. Contact the prescriber to clarify the order:

This is the recommended and safest option. Contacting the prescriber directly to seek clarification ensures accurate information and reduces the risk of misinterpretation or errors related to illegible handwriting.

C. Wait until the prescriber makes rounds again to clarify the order:

This option involves delaying clarification until the prescriber is available during rounds. Waiting may not be ideal if the patient requires prompt intervention or if there is an urgency in administering the medication. Timely communication is crucial for patient safety.

D. Ask the patient what medications he takes at home:

This option is unrelated to the issue of illegible handwriting on the prescription. While obtaining a patient's medication history is important for comprehensive care, it does not address the immediate need to clarify the unclear order.

A. Depression:

CNS stimulants are generally not indicated for depression. In fact, they can exacerbate symptoms and are not considered a first-line treatment for depressive disorders.

B. Opiate overdose:

CNS stimulants are not indicated for treating opiate overdose. In cases of overdose, other medications like naloxone are commonly used to reverse the effects of opioids.

C. Poor appetite:

CNS stimulants may be used to increase alertness and decrease fatigue, but they are not typically prescribed to address poor appetite. Appetite stimulation is often managed through other approaches.

D. Narcolepsy:

This is the correct answer. CNS stimulants, such as modafinil or methylphenidate, are commonly prescribed to manage symptoms of narcolepsy. These medications help improve wakefulness and reduce excessive daytime sleepiness.