Author Question: A nurse receives an order to administer castor oil to a patient. Which action by the nurse is ... (Read 93 times)

jman1234 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A nurse receives an order to administer castor oil to a patient. Which action by the nurse is correct?

a. Administer the medication at bedtime.
b. Chill the medication and mix it with fruit juice.
c. Provide teaching about home use of this medication.
d. Teach the patient that the effects will oc-cur slowly.

Question 2

A prescriber has ordered medication for a newborn. The medication is eliminated primarily by hepatic metabolism. The nurse expects the prescriber to:

a. order a dose that is lower than an adult dose.
b. order a dose that is higher than an adult dose.
c. increase the frequency of medication dos-ing.
d. discontinue the drug after one or two dos-es.

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

Answer to Question 1

B
Castor oil has an unpleasant taste that can be improved by chilling it and mixing it with fruit juice. The medication acts quickly and should not be given at bedtime. It is only used when prompt evacuation of intestinal contents is needed, as for radiological procedures, so the patient will not be instructed in home use of the medication and should be taught that the effects will be immediate.

Answer to Question 2

A
The drug-metabolizing capacity of newborns is low. As a result, neonates are especially sensitive to drugs that are eliminated primarily by hepatic metabolism. When these drugs are used, dosages must be reduced. Because of the decreased ability of hepatic metabolism in the newborn, a lower dose is required, not a higher dose, and the frequency will not be increased. The medication dosage should be adjusted, not discontinued, for the newborn.