After handing your client her medication, she says, "What is this blue tablet for? I have always taken a yellow pill.”. Your most appropriate action would be to:

Choice A rationale

Administering medication without verifying the order, especially when the patient expresses concern about a change in appearance, is a breach of medication safety principles. The patient's concern highlights a potential discrepancy, and simply explaining a possible change without confirmation is unprofessional and dangerous.

Choice B rationale

This action is incorrect and dangerous. The patient stated she always takes a yellow pill, but the nurse is preparing to administer a blue tablet. Telling her the action of a "red tablet" is confusing, indicates a potential misunderstanding of the medication, and demonstrates a failure to address the patient's valid concern about the color discrepancy.

Choice C rationale

When a patient questions a medication, especially regarding its appearance, it is imperative to withhold the drug and recheck the medication administration record (MAR) against the physician's original order. This verifies that the correct medication, dose, and form are being administered, preventing potential medication errors and ensuring patient safety.

Choice D rationale

Administering the medication and making a mental note to check later is unsafe practice. A patient's concern about medication is a critical alert. Ignoring it and administering the drug first could lead to serious adverse effects if a medication error has occurred. Verification must precede administration.