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Difficulty: MediumPharmacological Therapies

A practical nurse is preparing to administer prescribed oral acetaminophen to a pediatric client experiencing a fever. The healthcare provider has prescribed 240240 mg to be given every 66 hours as needed. The medication is available in a liquid concentration of 160160 mg/55 mL. Which action describes the safest and most appropriate procedure for the practical nurse to follow?

  1. Calculate the required dose as 7.57.5 mL, verify the client's identity using two distinct identifiers, and administer the medication.Answer
  2. B
    Calculate the required dose as 1.51.5 mL, verify the client's identity using two distinct identifiers, and administer the medication.
  3. C
    Calculate the required dose as 7.57.5 mL, verify the client's identity using only the parent's verbal statement of the child's name, and administer the medication.
  4. D
    Calculate the required dose as 7.57.5 mL and delegate the administration of the oral medication to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP).

Answer

Calculate the required dose as 7.57.5 mL, verify the client's identity using two distinct identifiers, and administer the medication.
The practical nurse correctly calculates the dose using the standard formula: 240 mg160 mg×5 mL=7.5 mL\frac{240 \text{ mg}}{160 \text{ mg}} \times 5 \text{ mL} = 7.5 \text{ mL}. Furthermore, the nurse safely adheres to strict medication administration protocols by using two distinct client identifiers prior to administering the drug.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Calculate the correct medication dosage using the formula: DesiredHave×Volume\frac{\text{Desired}}{\text{Have}} \times \text{Volume}.
240 mg160 mg×5 mL=1.5×5 mL=7.5 mL\frac{240 \text{ mg}}{160 \text{ mg}} \times 5 \text{ mL} = 1.5 \times 5 \text{ mL} = 7.5 \text{ mL}.
Accurate calculation is the first step in ensuring the client receives the safe and therapeutic dose prescribed.
2
Identify the safety requirements for medication administration.
The nurse must use at least two distinct client identifiers (e.g., name and date of birth confirmed with an identification band) and must administer the medication personally.
Adhering to the 'rights of medication administration' prevents medication errors, and medication administration cannot be delegated to a UAP.
3
Select the option that combines the correct calculation with safe, within-scope nursing practice.
The option calculating 7.57.5 mL and verifying using two identifiers is the only comprehensively safe and correct choice.
It fulfills all pharmacological and patient safety standards within the practical nurse's scope.

Key Concept

Medication Calculation and Administration Safety Principles
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Topics

Pharmacological Therapies

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