The nurse is preparing to administer Lanoxin to a patient on the ...

[JGIBBSON]

The nurse is preparing to administer Lanoxin to a patient on the telemetry unit. In addition to understanding the patient's diagnosis, the nurse must also know which characteristic(s) of the medication? (Select all that apply.)
 
  a. Chemical composition
  b. Adverse effects
  c. Expected actions
  d. Contraindications for use
  e. Usual dosing

Question 2

The nurse transcribes an order to administer Valium 10 mg IV stat. This order is correctly interpreted by the nurse to mean it should be provided how? (Select all that apply.)
 
  a. As needed
  b. Immediately
  c. One time only
  d. In divided doses
  e. Intravenously

[Sammyo]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B, C, D, E
The nurse must understand the individual patient's diagnosis and symptoms that correlate with the rationale for drug use. The nurse should also know why a medication is ordered, expected actions, usual dosing, proper dilution, route and rate of administration, adverse effects, and contraindications for the use of a particular drug. It is not required that the nurse know the chemical composition of the medication prior to administration.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B, C, E
The stat order is generally used on an emergency basis. It means that the drug is to be administered as soon as possible, but only once. IV indicates the route is intravenous. A PRN order means administer if needed. The order would specify divided doses and amount per dose if indicated.

[JGIBBSON]

Great answer, keep it coming

[bblaney]

TYSM