A primary health-care provider orders a medication to be administered every 6 hours prn.
What should the nurse teach the patient about this medication?
"I can give you this medication every 6 hours if you need it.”.
"I have to give you this medication every 6 hours around the clock.”.
"I must wait 6 hours before administering this medication to you.”.
"I will give this medication over 6 hours.”.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
The "prn" abbreviation stands for "pro re nata," which is Latin for "as needed.”. This indicates that the medication should be administered based on the patient's symptoms or specific needs, rather than on a fixed schedule. The nurse assesses the patient and administers the medication only when the patient exhibits the conditions for which the medication is prescribed, adhering to the minimum 6-hour interval for safety and therapeutic efficacy. This allows for individualized pain management.
Choice B rationale
This statement is incorrect because a "prn" order does not imply around-the-clock administration. Around-the-clock dosing is typically for scheduled medications where a consistent drug level is desired to manage chronic conditions or prevent symptoms, regardless of the patient's immediate need. Administering a prn medication routinely could lead to unnecessary drug exposure or adverse effects.
Choice C rationale
While waiting 6 hours between doses is crucial to prevent drug accumulation and toxicity, stating "I must wait 6 hours before administering this medication to you" is an incomplete explanation for a PRN order. The primary determinant for administration is the patient's need, not simply the passage of time. The 6-hour interval is a safety parameter to ensure adequate drug clearance and prevent exceeding therapeutic thresholds.
Choice D rationale
Administering a medication "over 6 hours" refers to the duration of infusion, not the frequency of administration. This statement is typically relevant for intravenous infusions where the drug is diluted and infused slowly over a specific period. A prn order for oral medication generally means an immediate dose is given when needed, and the interval between doses is 6 hours, not the infusion time.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A standing order is a pre-written medication order and protocol that applies to a specific patient population or clinical situation, allowing nurses to initiate treatment without immediate physician consultation. While it provides a framework, a daily medication is more specifically classified by its regular administration schedule, distinguishing it from general standing orders.
Choice B rationale
A routine order signifies a medication order that is carried out as prescribed until a discontinuation order or change is made. The medication is given on a regular, scheduled basis, often daily, multiple times a day, or weekly. This ensures consistent therapeutic levels for chronic conditions. Lasix 40 mg PO daily fits this description, as it is given consistently each day.
Choice C rationale
A STAT order (statim) means "immediately" and indicates that the medication must be administered as soon as possible, typically within 30 minutes of the order. This type of order is reserved for urgent situations where delay could significantly impact patient outcomes. Lasix ordered daily does not fall into this urgent category.
Choice D rationale
A PRN order (pro re nata) means "as needed.”. This type of order allows the nurse to administer medication based on the patient's symptoms or specific criteria rather than on a fixed schedule. Since Lasix is ordered "daily," it implies a fixed schedule, not an "as needed" administration.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Pain sensation behind the eyes, particularly during palpation of the frontal or ethmoid sinuses, suggests inflammation or infection within these sinuses. Under normal conditions, healthy paranasal sinuses are air-filled cavities and should not elicit pain upon palpation.
Choice B rationale
Pain during palpation of any sinus area is indicative of sinusitis or inflammation. The presence of pain signifies pressure buildup, mucosal edema, or infection within the sinus cavities. Normal findings would not involve pain, but rather a sensation of mild pressure.
Choice C rationale
Normal findings during sinus palpation should elicit a sensation of pressure but no pain or tenderness. This indicates that the sinuses are air-filled, patent, and free from inflammation or congestion. The pressure is a result of the gentle digital compression over the bony structures.
Choice D rationale
Tingling along the nose and eyes is not a typical sensation associated with normal sinus palpation. This sensation might suggest neurological irritation, such as nerve compression or neuropathy, rather than a direct physiological response from the paranasal sinuses themselves.
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