The nurse is preparing Mr. Robertson's insulin from a multidose vial. Prior to withdrawing the insulin from the vial the nurse would do which of the following?

Calculation:

Identify the ordered dose and available concentration

Ordered Dose: 1.5 mg

Available Concentration: 7 mg/3 mL

Calculate the volume to administer

Volume = (Ordered Dose ÷ Concentration) × Volume of Concentration

Volume = (1.5 ÷ 7) × 3

= 0.642857

Round to the nearest hundredth

= 0.64

A. Hold the medication until the order has been clarified: When a patient questions a medication, especially stating it is not their usual drug, the nurse must pause administration and verify the order. This aligns with the “right medication” and “right patient” principles of safe medication administration. Clarification prevents potential medication errors.

B. Explain to Mr. Brown that his physician has ordered the medication and it is best for him to take it: Simply reinforcing the provider’s authority does not address the patient’s concern and may override an important safety cue. Patients often recognize discrepancies in their usual regimen, and dismissing their concern could result in administering an incorrect medication.

C. Explain the purpose of the medication to Mr. Brown: Patient education is important; however, education should occur only after the medication has been verified as correct. Providing an explanation without confirming the accuracy of the order could inadvertently reinforce an error. Verification must precede teaching in this scenario.

D. Politely smile and encourage Mr. Brown to take his medications: Encouraging compliance without investigating the discrepancy compromises patient-centered care and medication safety. A therapeutic response requires assessment and verification rather than persuasion, particularly when a potential medication error is identified.