After accepting employment in a state different from where a practical nurse (PN) is currently employed, it is most important for the PN to review which reference?

A. The amount of fluid the client drank today: Although fluid intake affects weight, daily weights are intended to reflect overall fluid and nutritional changes over time, not just today's intake. Monitoring intake is important but not the most critical factor in conducting daily weights consistently.
B. When the client wants to be weighed: While respecting the client's preferences is important for cooperation, clinical accuracy requires consistency in timing and conditions, not simply weighing at the client's preferred time.
C. When the client was last weighed: Knowing when the client was last weighed ensures consistency and accuracy for monitoring trends. Daily weights should be taken at the same time each day, ideally in the morning before eating and after voiding, to accurately track fluid balance and body mass changes.
D. The amount of food the client ate today: Food intake affects weight slightly, but the purpose of daily weights is to detect significant changes, such as fluid retention or loss. Weighing under consistent conditions matters more than focusing on the day's food intake.

A. Check the medical record to verify the medication's name and strength: The first action is to verify the medication against the medical record to ensure it is the correct drug, dose, and formulation. This prioritizes patient safety by confirming accuracy before administration, preventing possible medication errors.
B. Reassure the client that the blue tablet is the correct medication: Reassuring the client without verifying the medication could risk administering the wrong drug. Even if the nurse believes the medication is correct, professional standards require verification when a discrepancy is noted by the patient.
C. Explain that the tablets are from different manufacturers: Differences in tablet appearance between manufacturers are common, but assuming this without verifying could result in a serious medication error. Visual differences should always be validated against the order and pharmacy records first.
D. Withhold the medication and notify the healthcare provider: Withholding the medication and notifying the healthcare provider may be appropriate if verification reveals a problem. However, the first step is to check the medical record to determine if the medication given matches the prescribed drug and dose.