Obtaining Accurate Medication History

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Question 1:

A nurse is reviewing a client's medication history before admission to a hospital unit. Which of the following sources of information is most reliable for obtaining an accurate medication history?

Explanation

C) Correct. The client's medication bottles brought from home are the most reliable source of information for obtaining an accurate medication history, as they contain the name, dose, frequency, and expiration date of each medication. The bottles can also be used to verify the client's verbal report and other sources of information.

A) Incorrect. The client's verbal report of their medications and doses may not be accurate, as the client may forget, omit, or confuse some medications or doses. The verbal report should be confirmed with other sources of information, such as medication bottles or lists.

B) Incorrect. The client's medication list from their primary care provider may not be up to date, as the client may have changed, discontinued, or added some medications since their last visit. The medication list should be compared with other sources of information, such as medication bottles or verbal report.

D) Incorrect. The client's electronic health record from another facility may not reflect the current medications that the client is taking, as the facility may have different policies, protocols, or formularies than the admitting hospital. The electronic health record should be supplemented with other sources of information, such as medication bottles or lists.


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Question 2:

A nurse is reviewing a client's medication list during a routine clinic visit. The nurse notices that the client is taking warfarin and aspirin daily. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Explanation

A) Incorrect. Asking the client about signs of bleeding is important, but not sufficient. The nurse should also address the potential drug-drug interaction between warfarin and aspirin, which can increase the risk of bleeding complications.

B) Incorrect. Instructing the client to stop taking aspirin without consulting the prescriber is inappropriate and potentially harmful. The client may have a valid reason for taking both medications, such as atrial fibrillation and coronary artery disease.

C) Incorrect. Documenting the medication list without further investigation is negligent and unsafe. The nurse has a responsibility to ensure that the medications are appropriate and reconciled with the prescriber.

D) Correct. Contacting the prescriber to clarify the indication and dosage of both medications is the best action. The nurse should verify that the prescriber is aware of the combination and that the benefits outweigh the risks. The nurse should also confirm that the client is receiving regular monitoring of their international normalized ratio (INR).


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Question 3:

A nurse is obtaining a medication history from a client who is admitted for pneumonia. Which of the following sources should the nurse use to verify the client's home medications? (Select all that apply.)

Explanation

A) Correct. The client's primary care provider can provide accurate information about the client's current prescriptions and any changes made recently.

B) Correct. The client's pharmacy records can show what medications the client has filled and when, which can help identify adherence issues or discrepancies.

C) Correct. The client's medication bottles can provide information about the name, dose, frequency, and expiration date of the medications, as well as any special instructions or warnings.

D) Correct. The client's spouse or caregiver can provide additional information about the client's medication use, especially if the client has cognitive impairment or difficulty managing their own medications.

E) Incorrect. The client's previous admission records may not reflect the current medication regimen, as changes may have occurred since then.


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Question 4:

A nurse is preparing to discharge a client who has a new prescription for insulin glargine and insulin lispro. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the medication reconciliation process?

Explanation

D) Correct. All of the information listed are essential for the safe and effective use of insulin therapy. The nurse should educate the client on how to administer each insulin type, how to store and dispose of each insulin vial, how to select and rotate injection sites, and how to monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust their doses accordingly.


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Question 5:

A nurse is reconciling a client's medications during a home health visit. The nurse observes that the client has several over-the-counter (OTC) products in their medicine cabinet, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, antacids, and herbal supplements. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Explanation

A) Correct. Asking the client how often and why they use each OTC product can help identify any potential drug-drug interactions, adverse effects, or self-treatment issues. The nurse should also educate the client on how to use OTC products safely and appropriately.

B) Incorrect. Advising the client to avoid using any OTC products without consulting their prescriber is unrealistic and unnecessary. Some OTC products are effective and safe for minor ailments, as long as they are used as directed and do not interfere with the client's prescription medications.

C) Incorrect. Recording only the prescription medications on the medication list is incomplete and inaccurate. The nurse should include all medications that the client is taking, including OTC products, vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements.

D) Incorrect. Discarding any OTC products that are expired or unsealed without the client's consent is disrespectful and wasteful. The nurse should inform the client of the risks of using expired or contaminated products and offer to dispose of them properly.


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Question 6:

A nurse is conducting a medication history for a client who is scheduled for elective surgery. The client reports taking ginkgo biloba, garlic, and fish oil supplements daily. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Explanation

A) Incorrect. Informing the client that these supplements are not effective and should be discontinued is disrespectful and inaccurate. These supplements may have some benefits for certain conditions, such as cognitive function, cardiovascular health, and inflammation. The nurse should respect the client's preferences and beliefs, as long as they do not pose a significant risk to their health.

B) Correct. Documenting the supplements on the medication list and notifying the surgical team is the best action. These supplements may have antiplatelet or anticoagulant effects, which can increase the risk of bleeding during or after surgery. The surgical team may advise the client to stop taking these supplements before the surgery, depending on their individual risk factors and type of surgery.

C) Incorrect. Instructing the client to stop taking these supplements at least 2 weeks before the surgery is premature and outside the scope of practice of the nurse. The nurse should consult with the surgical team before making any recommendations about discontinuing any medications or supplements.

D) Incorrect. Ignoring the supplements as they are not relevant to the surgical procedure is irresponsible and unsafe. The nurse should consider all medications and supplements that the client is taking, as they may have an impact on their perioperative care and outcomes.


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Question 7:

A nurse is comparing a client's medication list with their discharge orders after a hospital stay for heart failure exacerbation. The nurse notices that the discharge orders include a new prescription for spironolactone, but do not include the client's usual dose of potassium chloride. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Explanation

A) Incorrect. Assuming that the prescriber intentionally omitted potassium chloride because spironolactone can increase potassium levels is risky and unprofessional. The nurse should not make assumptions about the prescriber's intentions or clinical judgment, but rather seek clarification and verification.

B) Correct. Contacting the prescriber to confirm that potassium chloride was intentionally omitted and documenting the rationale is the best action. The nurse should communicate any discrepancies or concerns about the discharge orders with the prescriber and ensure that they are resolved before discharging the client.

C) Incorrect. Administering potassium chloride as previously ordered until the prescriber responds is inappropriate and potentially harmful. The nurse should not administer any medications that are not included in the current orders, especially if they may interact with other medications or affect the client's condition.

D) Incorrect. Adding potassium chloride to the discharge orders without contacting the prescriber is illegal and unethical. The nurse does not have the authority or competence to prescribe or modify medications without consulting with an authorized prescriber.


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