The nurse is caring for a child weighing 30 kg. The physician ...

[ahriuashd]

The nurse is caring for a child weighing 30 kg. The physician orders gentamicin (Garamycin) 100 mg tid for the patient. The recommended dosage range is 6 to 7.5 mg/kg/day. What action should the nurse take?
 
  A) Administer the medication and assess hearing frequently.
  B) Question the physician about the frequency of administration.
  C) Question the physician about the dosage of the medication.
  D) Administer the medication and assess renal function frequently.

Question 2

The home care nurse is caring for an older adult patient with visual impairment who cannot see the numbers on the syringe when preparing insulin for administration and cannot afford the increased cost of prefilled auto syringes.
 
  What strategy might the nurse use to help this patient comply with insulin needs between visits? A) Change the patient to oral antidiabetics.
  B) Prepare a week's supply of syringes and refrigerate.
  C) Have the patient use a magnifying glass.
  D) Ask a neighbor to come over every day to prepare the medication.

[Jsherida]

Answer to Question 1

C
Feedback:
The dosage is outside the recommended dosage range at 10 mg/kg/day so the nurse should question the dosage before administering the medication. It is appropriate to administer gentamicin tid to pediatric patients so there would be no need to question frequency of dosage. The drug should not be administered until the correct dosage is ordered so there is no need to assess hearing or renal function.

Answer to Question 2

B
Feedback:
Older adults can have many underlying problems that complicate diabetic therapy. Poor vision and/or coordination may make it difficult to prepare a syringe. A week's supply of syringes can be prepared and refrigerated for the usual dose of insulin. If the patient is using insulin it is most likely because oral antidiabetic medications don't work. A magnifying glass is impractical because drawing up medication requires two hands and a magnifying glass will not help the patient to see well enough to be safe. It is a big imposition to expect a neighbor to be constantly available and this would not be the best choice.