Order: Metoprolol Tartrate 25 mg PO each morning

Available: Metoprolol Tartrate 50 mg tablets

How many tablets will you administer per dose?

A. 46-year-old with a low neutrophil count: Neutrophils are essential for fighting infection. A low neutrophil count (neutropenia) significantly increases infection risk, making this the highest-priority patient.

B. 59-year-old seven days post abdominal surgery: While postoperative patients are at risk for infection, the greatest risk is within the first few days after surgery. By day seven, the risk decreases if no signs of infection are present.

C. 82-year-old with a history of leukemia ten years ago: While leukemia can affect the immune system, a history of leukemia from ten years ago is less concerning than an active condition causing immunosuppression.

D. 62-year-old on antibiotic therapy: While antibiotics can disrupt normal flora and increase the risk of infections like Clostridioides difficile, this risk is lower than that of a patient with neutropenia.

A. Providing a detailed SBAR report to the primary nurse: SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) is a standard communication tool used among healthcare professionals to ensure continuity of care. Since this report is given to the primary nurse who is part of the healthcare team, it does not violate confidentiality.

B. Collaborating with the patient care technician for hygiene care: Patient care technicians (PCTs) are part of the healthcare team, and sharing necessary patient information with them to ensure hygiene care does not breach confidentiality.

C. Discussing the client's medications with the clinical instructor: A clinical instructor is responsible for overseeing student learning and patient safety. As long as the discussion is conducted in an appropriate setting (e.g., away from unauthorized persons), it does not violate confidentiality.

D. Writing the client's initials on the student care plan: Even using initials instead of a full name can still be considered identifiable information if someone can link it to a specific patient. To maintain confidentiality, students should use de-identified data in their care plans.