What is the responsibility of the nurse related to the patient's drug therapy? (Select all that apply.)
Teaching the patient how to cope with therapy to ensure the best outcome.
Providing therapy as well as medications.
Evaluating the effectiveness of therapy.
Altering the drug regimen to optimize outcome.
Recommending appropriate over-the-counter medications to treat adverse effects of prescription drug therapy.
Correct Answer : A,C
a) Teaching the patient how to cope with therapy is part of the nurse's responsibility to ensure the patient understands the treatment regimen, side effects, and how to manage any challenges, thus improving outcomes.
b) Providing therapy refers to administering medications, but nurses generally do not "provide therapy" in the broader sense (such as deciding what therapy a patient needs beyond the prescribed drug regimen).
c) Evaluating the effectiveness of therapy is the nurse's responsibility as part of the ongoing assessment. The nurse should monitor how well the drug is working and identify any adverse effects.
d) Altering the drug regimen is outside the nurse’s scope of practice. Nurses can suggest changes or communicate concerns, but altering drug regimens requires a healthcare provider’s approval.
e) Recommending over-the-counter medications for adverse effects is not within the nurse's scope unless advised by a healthcare provider. Nurses should guide patients based on provider orders and not independently suggest over-the-counter remedies.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
a. The first priority when administering medication is to ensure the right patient is receiving the correct drug. This follows the "rights" of medication administration, which include right patient, right drug, right dose, right route, and right time. Identifying the patient prevents medication errors.
b. Documentation is essential but should occur after administering the medication, not before confirming the correct patient and drug.
c. Rechecking the medication label is important, but it should be done before reaching the patient’s bedside. Once at the bedside, patient identification takes priority.
d. Obtaining orange juice may be necessary if the medication requires it, but ensuring the right patient receives the correct medication is the most critical initial step.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Washing hands before handling medications is essential for infection control but is not the priority action in this scenario. Ensuring drug compatibility is crucial to prevent adverse interactions.
B. When administering two drugs simultaneously, the nurse’s priority is to determine if they are compatible, particularly for IV medications. Some medications can precipitate or cause harmful interactions when mixed, leading to reduced efficacy or adverse effects. Consulting a drug guide ensures safe administration.
C. Checking for drug allergies is important before giving any medication, but it is not the priority in this specific situation. Compatibility must be assessed first to ensure the drugs can be given together safely.
D. Identifying the patient is always necessary for safe medication administration, but in this case, ensuring drug compatibility is the first step before proceeding with administration. If the drugs are incompatible, the nurse must take alternative actions before giving them to the patient.
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