The nurse is educating a patient who has been newly prescribed eye medications to treat glaucoma.
How can the nurse best determine if the patient can safely and effectively self-administer the medications?
Ask the patient to demonstrate the instillation of the medications.
Assess the patient for any previous inability to self-manage medications.
The patient accurately describes the directions for administering the medications.
Assess the patient’s functional status.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
The best way to determine if a patient can safely and effectively self-administer medications is to ask the patient to demonstrate the instillation of the medications. This allows the nurse to directly observe the patient’s technique, identify any errors, and provide immediate feedback and instruction. It also gives the patient an opportunity to ask questions and clarify any misunderstandings. This method is often referred to as the “show-back” or “teach-back” method and is widely used in patient education to confirm understanding and competency.
Choice B rationale
While assessing the patient for any previous inability to self-manage medications can provide useful information, it does not directly assess the patient’s ability to self-administer the new eye medications. Previous difficulties may be due to factors that do not apply to the current situation, such as complex medication regimens, cognitive impairment, or lack of resources.
Choice C rationale
Although the patient accurately describing the directions for administering the medications indicates that the patient understands the instructions, it does not necessarily mean that the patient can perform the task correctly. Physical limitations, dexterity issues, or misunderstanding of the instructions can still result in incorrect administration.
Choice D rationale
Assessing the patient’s functional status can provide valuable information about the patient’s overall ability to perform activities of daily living, including medication management.
However, it does not specifically assess the patient’s ability to self-administer eye medications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Assessing lung sounds is an important part of monitoring a patient’s respiratory status, but it may not be the most immediate action if the patient is finding it increasingly difficult to breathe.
Choice B rationale
While explaining the progression of the syndrome is important for patient education, it may not be the most immediate action if the patient is experiencing difficulty breathing.
Choice C rationale
Guillain-Barre syndrome can affect the muscles used for breathing, resulting in a weakened or paralyzed diaphragm, which can lead to an ineffective breathing pattern. Therefore, if a patient states that it is getting harder to take a deep breath, the nurse should call the physician and prepare for possible intubation.
Choice D rationale
Encouraging the client to cough may not be the most appropriate action if the patient is finding it increasingly difficult to breathe.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
In the case of a major ischemic stroke, the medication that a nurse would anticipate the doctor to order is tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)8. This medication works by dissolving the clot that is blocking blood flow to the brain. It is most effective when given as soon as possible after the onset of stroke symptoms.
Choice B rationale
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. It is not typically used in the treatment of ischemic stroke.
Choice C rationale
Aspirin is an antiplatelet drug that is sometimes used in the prevention of stroke. However, it is not typically used as an immediate treatment for a major ischemic stroke.
Choice D rationale
Warfarin is an anticoagulant medication that is used to prevent blood clots from forming or growing larger. It is not typically used as an immediate treatment for a major ischemic stroke.
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