The home care nurse is reviewing the patient's prescribed medications. The patient reports he doesn't take his antihypertensive (blood pressure) medication anymore. What is the best response by the nurse?

A) Use an automated medication dispensing system: While automated systems can enhance efficiency and reduce the risk of errors, they are not foolproof. Errors can still occur due to incorrect entries or malfunctions, so reliance solely on technology without further precautions may not be sufficient.

B) Avoid distractions and take time to prepare medications: Reducing distractions is important for maintaining focus during medication preparation. However, it is just one aspect of a comprehensive approach to medication safety. This practice alone does not encompass the necessary protocols that ensure the correct medication is administered.

C) Adhere to the 6 rights of medication administration: Following the 6 rights—right patient, right drug, right dose, right route, right time, and right documentation—is the most effective strategy for preventing medication errors. This systematic approach provides a framework for nurses to ensure accuracy and accountability in every medication administration.

D) Only give medications to patients who are alert and oriented: While it’s important to assess a patient's alertness before administering medications, this criterion alone does not address the various factors that can lead to medication errors. Patients may require medications even when not fully alert, and it is the nurse's responsibility to ensure safety through proper protocols rather than simply limiting administration based on alertness.

A) 1.5: Administering 1.5 mL of Amoxil would provide 37.5 mg of amoxicillin (125 mg per 5 mL translates to 25 mg per mL), which is insufficient to meet the ordered dose of 0.05 g (50 mg). Accurate dosing is essential for effective treatment.

B) 0.5: Giving 0.5 mL would result in only 12.5 mg of amoxicillin, which is significantly below the prescribed dose of 0.05 g. It's crucial to ensure the dose administered aligns with the healthcare provider's orders to achieve the desired therapeutic effect.

C) 2: Administering 2 mL of Amoxil is correct. At a concentration of 125 mg per 5 mL, this dosage provides 50 mg of amoxicillin (2 mL x 25 mg/mL = 50 mg), which meets the prescribed order and ensures proper treatment.

D) 1: One mL would deliver 25 mg of amoxicillin, which is still inadequate compared to the required dose of 50 mg. Proper dosing ensures the medication's efficacy while minimizing the risk of resistance and treatment failure.