The nurse must monitor the trough level of medication.
When would the nurse order the trough level?

Choice A rationale

Asking which client is supposed to have medications compromises patient privacy and could lead to medication errors if an incorrect patient self-identifies. Proper patient identification is a fundamental safety measure, requiring objective verification to ensure the right medication is administered to the right patient.

Choice B rationale

Stating the patient's name and expecting a confirmation ("You are Mrs. Wilson, aren't you?") is a leading question and does not independently verify identity. A patient could respond affirmatively without truly being Mrs. Wilson, increasing the risk of medication errors by not adhering to objective verification protocols.

Choice C rationale

Asking if anyone knows Mrs. Wilson is an inappropriate and unprofessional method for patient identification. It breaches patient confidentiality and does not provide a reliable or direct means of verifying the intended recipient of medication, potentially leading to significant medication safety issues.

Choice D rationale

Checking the client's identification bracelets while the client states their name provides two independent identifiers, which is a standard and highly reliable method for patient identification. This dual verification minimizes the risk of medication errors by confirming both physical identification and the patient's verbal confirmation before administration.

Choice A rationale

An absent pulse (0) indicates no palpable pulsation, often due to an occlusion or severe vasoconstriction. This signifies a complete lack of blood flow through the vessel, requiring immediate medical attention to prevent tissue ischemia and necrosis.

Choice B rationale

A bounding pulse (4+) is characterized by a strong, easily palpable pulsation that is not easily obliterated by pressure. This can indicate conditions like fluid overload, hypertension, or hyperkinetic states, reflecting increased stroke volume or decreased peripheral resistance.

Choice C rationale

A weak pulse (1+) is characterized by a faint, barely palpable pulsation that is easily obliterated by pressure. This can be indicative of decreased stroke volume, hypovolemia, or peripheral artery disease, signifying reduced blood flow and perfusion.

Choice D rationale

A normal pulse (2+) is characterized by a readily palpable pulsation that is easily discernible and not easily obliterated by pressure. This finding indicates adequate cardiac output and peripheral perfusion, signifying healthy cardiovascular function within normal physiological parameters.