Author Question: The nurse is giving morning medications to a patient who refuses to take an oral dose of docusate ... (Read 73 times)

deesands · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

The nurse is giving morning medications to a patient who refuses to take an oral dose of docusate (Colace). What is the nurse's best response?

a. Your prescriber ordered that you must take this drug twice a day.
b. Docusate will soften your bowel movements so that you do not strain.
c. This drug will help prevent constipation while you are on bed rest.
d. Can you tell me why you do not want to take the docusate?

Question 2

When is it acceptable for the nurse to take a verbal order from the prescriber before giving a drug to a patient?

a. During the night shift when the prescriber is not at the hospital
b. In an emergency situation such as a cardiac arrest
c. When a patient is experiencing severe pain
d. At any time it is necessary

shewald78 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

D
A patient has the right to refuse to take any drug. Although it is important that the patient under-stand why the drug has been prescribed and the consequences of refusing to take it, the nurse should investigate why the patient prefers not to take a drug. For example, if a patient is having diarrhea and understands the action of docusate, refusing the drug is not only the patient's right, but is also the right action to take.

Answer to Question 2

B
A prescriber's drug order should be in written form and include all the minimal information re-quired by the U.S. government. Verbal orders should only be accepted in emergency situations. As soon as the emergency is resolved, verbal orders must be written and signed. For safety, when a nurse contacts a prescriber or follows a verbal order, the nurse should be sure to write the order, read it back, and ask for confirmation that what was written is correct.