While collecting a medication history, the patient admits to ...

[mckennatimberlake]

While collecting a medication history, the patient admits to doubling the recommended dosage of an over-the-counter (OTC) medication, saying It's harmless or they would require a prescription. What is the nurse's best response?
 
  A) OTC drugs are serious medications and carry serious risks if not taken as directed.
  B) Taking medications like that is careless and you could kill yourself doing it.
  C) Sometimes you need to take more than the package directs to treat the symptoms.
  D) Did you notify your doctor of the increased dosage you were taking?

Question 2

What medication, if ordered for an 8-year-old patient, should the nurse question? (Select all that apply.)
 
  A) Amiodarone (Cordarone) 400 mg orally per 24 hours
  B) Labetalol (Normodyne) 100 mg orally b.i.d.
  C) Phentolamine (Regitine) 1 mg intramuscularly 1 to 2 hours before surgery
  D) Prazosin (Minipress) 3 mg orally t.i.d.
  E) Carvedilol (Coreg) 6.25 mg orally b.i.d.

[TheDev123]

Answer to Question 1

A
Feedback:
OTC drugs are no less a medication than prescription drugs and carry the same types of risks for overdosage and toxicity if directions are not followed. Although increasing the dosage is careless and dangerous, it is important to use the information as a teaching opportunity rather than scolding the patient. Agreeing with the patient or asking her if she talked to the doctor misses the teaching opportunity, which could be harmful for the patient.

Answer to Question 2

A, B, E
Feedback:
Amiodarone, labetalol, and carvedilol are not indicated for pediatric use and do not have established pediatric dosages. Phentolamine and prazosin have established pediatric dosages and would not need to be questioned.