A nurse has withdrawn a narcotic from the medication dispenser and must waste a portion of the medication. What should the nurse do?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The nurse should follow Nurse Practice Acts and safe narcotic administration guidelines by having a nurse witness the 'wasted' medication. The nurse cannot return the wasted medication to the medication dispenser. Wasted portions of medications are not placed in sharps containers. The nurse should not leave the narcotic unattended and call the health care provider to obtain matching dosages; the nurse is expected to obtain the correct dose.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The ventrogluteal site is the preferred and safest site for all adults, children, and infants. While the vastus lateralis is a large muscle that could be used, it is not the preferred and safest. The dorsal gluteal site is a location for a subcutaneous injection, and this patient requires an IM injection. The deltoid is easily accessible, but this muscle is not well developed and is not the preferred site.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The nurse needs to first determine how many milligrams are in each milliliter of the elixir. Then the nurse calculates how many milliliters would contain 250 mg. 1000 mg / 5 mL = 200 mg / 1 mL. 250 mg / (X mL) = 200 mg / mL = 1.25 mL. OR Dose ordered over dose on hand (250 / 1000) x volume or amount on hand (5). 250 / 1000 = 0.25 x 5 = 1.25 mL.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer to the question is option C: "Some drug doses are calculated according to body weight." This response is the best reply because weight plays a crucial role in determining medication dosages for patients. In the context of surgical procedures, administering the correct dosage of medications is essential for patient safety and optimal treatment outcomes. Anesthesia and various medications used during surgery are often dosed based on the patient's body weight to ensure effectiveness and reduce the risk of adverse reactions. Option A, stating that surgery is not carried out on people above the ideal body weight, is incorrect because weight alone does not determine a patient's eligibility for surgery. Surgical decisions are based on a variety of factors beyond just weight. Option B, suggesting that weight is needed to compare admission and discharge weights, is incorrect because the primary reason for weighing a patient upon admission is not for comparison purposes but rather to inform medication dosing and overall patient care. Option D, indicating that weighing is routine for all admissions to the unit, is incorrect because the routine nature of weighing patients does not address the specific relevance of weight to medication administration during a surgical procedure. In an educational context, understanding the rationale behind weighing patients before surgical procedures underscores the importance of individualized care and medication management. By accurately dosing medications based on a patient's weight, healthcare providers can enhance patient safety and treatment efficacy. This knowledge is crucial for nursing students preparing for the NCLEX exam, as it highlights the practical application of medication administration principles in clinical settings.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In medication administration, a physician's order is a crucial requirement to ensure safe and legal administration of medications. Option A, "Yes," is the correct answer because a medication order is essential for all medications, whether they are prescription drugs or over-the-counter (OTC) medications. This is to ensure that the right medication is given to the right person in the right dose at the right time. It also helps in preventing medication errors and adverse drug reactions. Option B, "Yes, unless it is an over-the-counter medication, like Tylenol or aspirin," is incorrect because even OTC medications require proper documentation and authorization for administration, especially in healthcare settings where accountability and patient safety are paramount. Option C, "No, as long as the responsible party or conservator is aware the medication is taken," is incorrect because the responsibility for medication administration lies with qualified healthcare professionals who must follow legal and ethical guidelines to ensure patient safety and compliance. Option D, "Yes, unless it is a vitamin," is incorrect because vitamins, like any other medication, should also be administered based on healthcare provider's orders, especially in clinical or residential care settings where individualized care and legal compliance are essential. Educationally, understanding the importance of medication orders in healthcare settings is crucial for nursing practice and patient safety. Nurses must advocate for proper medication management, including obtaining and verifying physician orders, to prevent medication errors and ensure optimal patient outcomes. Compliance with legal and ethical standards is vital in medication administration to uphold professional standards and provide quality care to patients.