A nurse is administering a medication to a patient for acute pain. Of the various routes for drug administration, which would be chosen because it is absorbed more rapidly?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is A) injected medications. Injected medications, whether administered intramuscularly or intravenously, are absorbed more rapidly into the bloodstream compared to other routes of administration. This rapid absorption is crucial for providing quick relief in cases of acute pain where immediate action is necessary. Liquid oral medications (option B) are typically absorbed more slowly than injected medications as they need to pass through the digestive system before entering the bloodstream. This delayed absorption makes them less suitable for situations requiring fast pain relief. Topical skin medications (option C) are absorbed through the skin and have a localized effect. They are not ideal for acute pain relief as they do not provide systemic absorption required for immediate relief. Oral-coated medications (option D) are designed to release the drug slowly over time or to protect the drug from stomach acid. This delayed release mechanism makes them unsuitable for situations where rapid pain relief is needed. Educationally, understanding the pharmacokinetics of different routes of drug administration is essential for nurses to make informed decisions when administering medications. Knowing which route is most appropriate based on the desired onset of action and the patient's condition is crucial for ensuring effective and timely pain management. Nurses need to be well-versed in these principles to provide safe and efficient care to their patients.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: "Disconnect tubing from the suction before giving drugs, and clamp tubing for 20 to 30 minutes." This approach is necessary to ensure accurate medication administration through a nasogastric tube connected to continuous suction. By disconnecting the tubing from the suction and clamping it for 20-30 minutes, the student nurse allows for proper medication absorption without the interference of suction, which could potentially decrease the effectiveness of the medication. Option A is incorrect because briefly disconnecting the tubing to administer medications and then reconnecting it does not provide a sufficient window for proper medication absorption without suction interference. Option B is incorrect as well because simply realizing that administering medications cannot be done and documenting it is not a proactive or safe approach to the situation. Option D is also incorrect because giving medications orally or rectally when the nasogastric tube is already in place defeats the purpose of using the tube for medication administration in this scenario. In an educational context, understanding the correct procedure for administering medications through a nasogastric tube connected to continuous suction is crucial for student nurses to ensure patient safety and the effectiveness of the treatment. Proper techniques like disconnecting and clamping the tube for a specific duration are essential skills that nurses must master to deliver quality care to patients who require medication administration through various routes.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A) higher than the primary solution container. Placing the piggyback container higher ensures that gravity assists in infusing the medication from the secondary container before the primary solution. This is crucial for maintaining the prescribed medication order and preventing interactions between the two solutions. Option B) lower than the primary solution container is incorrect because this would impede the flow of the piggyback medication and may lead to the incorrect administration order. Option C) at an equal height with the primary solution container is incorrect as it would not take advantage of gravity to facilitate the correct infusion sequence. Option D) below the level of the patient's heart is incorrect as it does not address the specific requirement related to the administration of intravenous piggyback medications. Educationally, understanding the principles of intravenous medication administration is essential for nurses to ensure patient safety and therapeutic effectiveness. By comprehending the rationale behind hanging the piggyback container higher, nurses can make informed clinical decisions and prevent medication errors. It also emphasizes the importance of following proper protocols and guidelines in medication administration to provide high-quality patient care.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer, D) "I will use a 10 mL syringe or larger to flush my PICC line," is the most appropriate choice because using a syringe smaller than 10 mL could create excessive pressure within the PICC line, potentially damaging the catheter. Flushing a PICC line with a smaller syringe like 3 mL could lead to issues such as catheter rupture or dislodgement. Option A) suggesting the use of a 20 mL syringe is incorrect as it is larger than the recommended 10 mL, which could still pose a risk of excessive pressure. Option B) recommending a 30 mL syringe is also incorrect for the same reason. Option C) suggesting a 3 mL syringe is definitely too small and could potentially harm the PICC line. In an educational context, it is crucial for nursing professionals to understand the proper technique for flushing a PICC line to ensure the safety and integrity of the catheter. By using the appropriate syringe size, nurses can help prevent complications and maintain the functionality of the PICC line for the patient's treatment. Understanding these principles is essential for providing safe and effective care to patients with PICC lines.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The ideal time to schedule a trough level for a patient receiving phenytoin at 0900 is 0830, making option B the correct answer. This timing allows for the trough level to be drawn 30 minutes before the next dose is due to be administered. Option A (800) is too early and does not align with the 30-minute window before administration. Option C (900) is the time the medication is actually scheduled to be given, so drawing a trough level at this time would not capture the lowest concentration of the drug in the bloodstream. Option D (930) is too late as it would miss the window for obtaining an accurate trough level. In an educational context, understanding the timing of trough level measurements is crucial for monitoring medication effectiveness and preventing toxicity. Nurses need to be precise in their timing to ensure accurate drug monitoring and safe patient care. This rationale highlights the importance of pharmacological principles and medication administration practices in nursing, emphasizing the need for attention to detail and adherence to best practices for patient safety.