Question

The nurse is beginning to administer oral medications to a client. The client states, "I haven't taken that pill before. Are you sure it's correct?" The nurse rechecks the CMAR/MAR and finds that the medication is scheduled to be administered. Which response is most appropriate?

Answer 1

The nurse should reassure the client by confirming the details of the medication and explain its purpose and potential side effects. If still in doubt, further verification with the healthcare team or the prescribing provider is necessary to ensure patient safety and treatment efficacy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most appropriate response when a client questions a medication that is about to be administered would be to address the client's concerns directly and provide reassurance by confirming the medication. The nurse should explain why the medication has been prescribed, its benefits, and its potential side effects. If the client is still uncomfortable or uncertain, it may be appropriate to verify the medication with other members of the healthcare team or consult the prescribing healthcare provider to ensure patient safety and comfort.

It's essential for healthcare providers to engage in critical thinking and to carry out medication verification processes. For instance, before the induction of anesthesia, healthcare team members, including the nurse, orally confirm essential details such as patient identity and procedure specifics, which help in minimizing errors.

Patient safety is the ultimate priority, and by carefully listening to patients and taking the time to review and confirm orders, healthcare providers adhere to best practices in clinical care.