Medication Administration

A nurse is preparing to administer a medication that he is unfamiliar with to a client. Which of the following resources should the nurse use to identify the therapeutic use of the medication?

A medication reference book EXPLANATION- contains information about specific medications such as indications, actions, dosages, routes, adverse effects, and client teaching. The nurse should consult a medication reference book or a pharmacist when he is unfamiliar with a prescribed medication.

A nurse is reviewing the medication administration record of a client who has difficulty swallowing. Which of the following medications should the nurse identify as safe to crush before administering it to the client?

Acetaminophen caplet EXPLANATION- Prior to crushing any medication, the nurse should check a medication reference to determine whether or not it is safe to crush. The nurse may crush acetaminophen that is in a caplet form, but should avoid crushing extended-release acetaminophen because this will release too much medication into the body at one time.

A nurse is planning to administer medication to a client. Which of the following should be the last check the nurse completes when reviewing the medication against the medication administration record (MAR)?

Before administering the medication to the client EXPLANATION- The nurse should check the medication against the MAR three times: prior to removing the medication from the drawer or dispensing system, when preparing the right dosage of medication, such as pouring the amount of liquid medication the provider prescribed, and at the bedside, before administering the medication to the client.

A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is administering medications to a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Checking the client's mouth to ensure that he has swallowed the medications EXPLANATION- It might be necessary for the nurse to check the client's mouth to ensure that he has swallowed the medications and has not placed them against his cheek inadvertently or deliberately. Some clients, such as those who have had a stroke, may pocket food and medications without realizing they have done so.

A nurse is preparing to administer medication to a client. Which of the following client identifiers should the nurse use to ensure safe practice?

The barcode on the client's wristband EXPLANATION- A barcode system provides client-specific identification to ensure that the nurse is administering the right medication. Barcoding often includes multiple client-specific identifiers, such as the client's name and her hospital identification number. The nurse should scan his own personal barcode, the barcode on the client's wristband, and the barcode on the package of the medication he plans to administer.