The nurse should give a client half a glass of water after taking a buccal medication.

Choice A rationale

A standing order is a pre-written medication order and protocol that applies to a specific patient population or clinical situation, allowing nurses to initiate treatment without immediate physician consultation. While it provides a framework, a daily medication is more specifically classified by its regular administration schedule, distinguishing it from general standing orders.

Choice B rationale

A routine order signifies a medication order that is carried out as prescribed until a discontinuation order or change is made. The medication is given on a regular, scheduled basis, often daily, multiple times a day, or weekly. This ensures consistent therapeutic levels for chronic conditions. Lasix 40 mg PO daily fits this description, as it is given consistently each day.

Choice C rationale

A STAT order (statim) means "immediately" and indicates that the medication must be administered as soon as possible, typically within 30 minutes of the order. This type of order is reserved for urgent situations where delay could significantly impact patient outcomes. Lasix ordered daily does not fall into this urgent category.

Choice D rationale

A PRN order (pro re nata) means "as needed.”. This type of order allows the nurse to administer medication based on the patient's symptoms or specific criteria rather than on a fixed schedule. Since Lasix is ordered "daily," it implies a fixed schedule, not an "as needed" administration.

Choice A rationale

The charge nurse, by virtue of their leadership role and oversight of unit operations, is typically authorized to ensure patient safety and continuity of care. This includes re-verifying and administering medications in urgent situations when the preparing nurse is unavailable, adhering to established protocols and double-checking the medication before administration to prevent errors.

Choice B rationale

Limiting medication administration solely to the preparing nurse could delay critical treatment, especially during emergencies. While optimal, this practice is superseded by the need for timely patient care and adherence to a "second nurse check" policy, which enhances safety by having an additional qualified professional verify the medication.

Choice C rationale

Any licensed Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) on the unit, if familiar with the patient and their condition, possesses the scope of practice and clinical competency to administer medications. This ensures patient safety through appropriate verification, patient identification, and adherence to the "rights" of medication administration, maintaining continuity of care.

Choice D rationale

Pharmacy technicians are not licensed healthcare professionals authorized to administer medications directly to patients. Their scope of practice is limited to preparing, packaging, and distributing medications under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist, lacking the clinical assessment and administration privileges of nursing staff.