When the health care provider prescribes a STAT medication order, ...

[Alygatorr01285]

When the health care provider prescribes a STAT medication order, when is the nurse expected to administer the medication?
 
  1. Within the next 4 hours
  2. Within the next 2 hours
  3. Within the next hour
  4. As soon as possible

Question 2

The nurse is caring for a client with dyspnea resulting from pulmonary edema secondary to congestive heart failure. The health care provider is notified, and the nurse receives a verbal order for Lasix 40 mg STAT.
 
  Which action by the nurse is the most appropriate?
  1. Administer the medication immediately.
  2. Clarify the route for administration.
  3. Give the medication IV because the client is in distress and rapid effects are needed.
  4. Hold the medication until the prescriber comes to the unit to clarify route and sign the order.

[uniquea123]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 4

STAT orders should be given as soon as possible. How long it takes to administer the medication will be determined by the time it takes to obtain the medication, whether it is floor stock or comes from the pharmacy. Facility policy will generally dictate the time period allowed for administration of STAT medication orders.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 2

The nurse must clarify the route of administration because Lasix (furosemide) is generally ordered in different dosages depending on the route of administration. Administering the drug via the route the nurse determines is operating outside of the scope of nursing practice. Holding the medication would put the client in danger.