Which statement(s) is/are true regarding the types of medication ...

[strangeaffliction]

Which statement(s) is/are true regarding the types of medication orders? (Select all that apply.)
 
  a. Stat orders are the same as single dose orders.
  b. Standing orders indicate the number of specified doses of a medication to be given.
  c. Renewal orders facilitate physician review before continuance of high-risk medications.
  d. PRN medications will designate a mandatory number of times the medication is to be administered.
  e. Verbal orders should be used as much as possible.

Question 2

A patient's liquid cough medicine has been discontinued with one half of the bottle remaining. The home health nurse is aware that according to the U.S.
 
  Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines on prescription medication disposal, the next step should be to
  a. save the remainder for another patient with the same prescription.
  b. flush the remainder down the toilet.
  c. read the drug label for specific disposal instructions.
  d. pour remaining medication into a hazardous waste container.

[sylvia]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B, C
Standing orders state the frequency of medication dosages to be administered or indicate the time frame of administration. Renewal orders require the physician to review medications that have expired orders, as determined by facility policy. Renewal policies facilitate physician verification of the necessity to continue a medication beyond a usual time frame and help ensure patient safety. Single dose and stat orders are not the same. PRN medications are not ordered a mandatory number of times, although a maximum number might be specified. Verbal orders should be avoided whenever possible.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
The nurse must follow specific disposal instructions on the drug label or in the patient information leaflet that accompanies the medication. Prescription medications should not be shared among patients. Prescription drugs should not be flushed down the toilet unless specifically instructed to do so by the manufacturer. The first action to be taken is to follow disposal instructions on the label. If the drug label indicates it should be emptied into a hazardous waste container, measures should be taken to prevent leaking and/or accidental ingestion.

[strangeaffliction]

Thank you!

[sylvia]

Always glad to help...