The nurse is preparing to care for a patient who will be taking ...

[Lisaclaire]

The nurse is preparing to care for a patient who will be taking an antihypertensive medication. Which action by the nurse is part of the assessment step of the nursing process?
 
  a. Asking the prescriber for an order to monitor serum drug levels
  b. Monitoring the patient for drug interactions after giving the medication
  c. Questioning the patient about over-the-counter medications
  d. Taking the patient's blood pressure throughout the course of treatment

Question 2

A patient newly diagnosed with diabetes is to be discharged from the hospital. The nurse teaching this patient about home management should begin by doing what?
 
  a. Asking the patient to demonstrate how to measure and administer insulin
  b. Discussing methods of storing insulin and discarding syringes
  c. Giving information about how diet and exercise affect insulin requirements
  d. Teaching the patient about the long-term consequences of poor diabetes control

[reelove4eva]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
The assessment part of the nursing process involves gathering information before beginning treatment, and this includes asking about other medications the patient may be taking. Monitoring serum drug levels, watching for drug interactions, and checking vital signs after giving the medication are all part of the evaluation phase.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Because insulin must be given correctly to control symptoms and because an overdose can be fatal, it is most important for the patient to know how to administer it. Asking for a demonstration of technique is the best way to determine whether the patient has understood the teaching. When a patient is receiving a lot of new information, the information presented first is the most likely to be remembered. The other teaching points are important as well, but they are not as critical and can be taught later.

[Lisaclaire]

Gracias!

[laurnthompson]

Great answer, keep it coming