The healthcare provider decreased the ordered dose of fentanyl to 25 mcg/hr transdermal patch. The pharmacy delivers a 50 mcg/hr patch to the nurse when the next dose is scheduled. What is the best action by the nurse?
Cut the 50 mcg/hr patch in half to obtain 25 mcg/hr dosing
Ask pharmacy to send a 25 mcg/hr transdermal patch
Contact the healthcare provider and request to increase the dose to 50 mcg/hr
Remove the previous patch and apply the 50 mcg/hr patch in a different location
The Correct Answer is B
A) Cut the 50 mcg/hr patch in half to obtain 25 mcg/hr dosing: Cutting a fentanyl patch in half is not recommended because it can lead to inconsistent dosing. The patches are designed to release medication at a controlled rate, and cutting them could cause the medication to be released too quickly or unevenly, which could result in overdose or insufficient relief of pain. It’s essential to follow the manufacturer's guidelines and avoid altering the patch.
B) Ask pharmacy to send a 25 mcg/hr transdermal patch: The best course of action is to ask the pharmacy to send the correct 25 mcg/hr transdermal patch. This ensures that the patient receives the prescribed dose in the most accurate and safe manner. The 25 mcg/hr patch is formulated to deliver the correct amount of medication, and it will avoid any risk associated with altering the patch.
C) Contact the healthcare provider and request to increase the dose to 50 mcg/hr: Requesting an increase in the dose is premature without a clear justification from the healthcare provider. The healthcare provider decreased the dose to 25 mcg/hr for a reason, possibly due to side effects, effectiveness, or other clinical factors. Altering the prescribed dose without a proper review would be inappropriate. The nurse should follow the current prescribed dose and resolve the issue by requesting the correct patch from the pharmacy.
D) Remove the previous patch and apply the 50 mcg/hr patch in a different location: Switching to the 50 mcg/hr patch without approval could lead to administering an incorrect dose of fentanyl, which can increase the risk of overdose or severe side effects like respiratory depression. The nurse should adhere to the prescribed 25 mcg/hr dose and request the correct patch from the pharmacy rather than substituting with a higher dose patch.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) The client will remain free from visible bleeding, bruising, and signs of internal bleeding (tachycardia and hypotension) during this shift: This is the most appropriate outcome for the "Risk for bleeding" nursing diagnosis. Since both aspirin and warfarin are anticoagulants, they increase the client's risk of bleeding. The priority is to monitor for and prevent any signs of visible bleeding, bruising, or more serious internal bleeding, which could manifest as tachycardia or hypotension. This outcome directly addresses the client's safety by focusing on detecting and preventing bleeding complications.
B) The client will verbalize understanding of dietary restrictions while on warfarin and provide examples of foods that contain vitamin K during this shift: While this is an important goal for clients on warfarin (because vitamin K can interfere with the effectiveness of warfarin), it is not the most immediate concern in the context of the "Risk for bleeding" diagnosis. Dietary restrictions should be discussed but are not as time-sensitive or directly related to the prevention of bleeding in the short term, especially during this shift.
C) The client will state their pain level is less than 4 on a 0-10 pain scale during aspirin therapy: While managing pain is important, this outcome does not directly address the risk for bleeding associated with both aspirin and warfarin therapy. The priority nursing concern here is preventing bleeding, not pain management during aspirin therapy.
D) The client will remain free from any signs and symptoms of deep vein thrombosis (DVT): While preventing DVT is important for patients on anticoagulant therapy, the focus of this nursing diagnosis is on the risk of bleeding, not thrombosis. Therefore, this outcome is not as relevant to the immediate concerns related to the prescribed medications (aspirin and warfarin).
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Lying flat on the back: Positioning the client flat on their back is not the most effective position for administering a rectal suppository. The correct position allows for easier insertion and proper absorption of the medication. Lying flat on the back may make it difficult for the nurse to administer the suppository in the correct manner.
B) Lying flat on the stomach: Lying flat on the stomach is not recommended for the administration of a rectal suppository, as it can be uncomfortable for the client and can impede the ability to access the rectal area. The side-lying position is more effective for both client comfort and proper placement of the suppository.
C) Left side-lying: The left side-lying position, often referred to as the Sims' position, is the most appropriate for administering a rectal suppository. This position helps to expose the rectal area, allows for easier insertion, and promotes the suppository’s absorption, as gravity can assist in its positioning within the rectum.
D) Right side-lying: The right side-lying position is not as effective as the left side-lying position for the administration of a rectal suppository. The left-side position helps to ensure the smooth placement of the suppository and promotes its absorption. Therefore, the right side is not the optimal choice.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
