The nurse is checking the medical record of an assigned patient ...

[madam-professor]

The nurse is checking the medical record of an assigned patient for medication orders. The nurse is unable to read the primary health care provider's handwriting. Which action would be most appropriate?
 
  A) The nurse should question the order with the primary health care provider.
  B) The nurse should try to interpret the handwriting.
  C) The nurse should confirm the order with a nearby health care provider.
  D) The nurse should obtain a verbal order.

Question 2

A client is prescribed 500 mg of ampicillin IM. The drug is supplied in a multidose vial that requires reconstitution with 2 mL sterile water for injection. The resulting concentration contains 250 mg/mL. The nurse would administer how much of the drug?
 
  A) 0.5 mL
  B) 1.0 mL
  C) 1.5 mL
  D) 2.0 mL

[mochi09]

Answer to Question 1

Ans: A
Feedback:
Any order that is unclear, particularly due to illegible handwriting, should be questioned. The nurse should not try to interpret the handwriting as it may lead to a misinterpretation. The nurse should also not confirm the order with any other physician who is nearby. Administering drugs based on verbal orders is permissible only during emergencies.

Answer to Question 2

Ans: A
Feedback:
After reconstitution, the vial yields 500 mg/mL. To calculate the amount needed to give, set up a proportion to read: 500/1 = 250/X; cross-multiply to arrive at 500X = 250; X = 0.5 mL.

[madam-professor]

Thank you!

[mochi09]

Always glad to help...