During the morning shift on a cardiac step-down unit, a client recovering from an acute myocardial infarction requires several pharmacological interventions. The client's active electronic health record includes orders for a continuous intravenous heparin infusion, an annual influenza immunization, oral metoprolol, and oral digoxin (supplied as a liquid concentration of ). Which intervention demonstrates the appropriate application of pharmacological safety and the practical nursing scope of practice?
- Evaluating the client's apical pulse for one full minute and confirming two distinct client identifiers before administering the oral metoprololAnswer
- BAdjusting the rate of the continuous intravenous heparin infusion independently based on the morning activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) protocol
- CAdministering the influenza immunization prior to discharge without verifying the client's current temperature or checking for a history of severe allergic reactions
- DAdministering of the oral digoxin solution to deliver the prescribed dose using the supplied concentration
Answer
The correct action is to evaluate the client's apical pulse for a full minute and confirm two distinct patient identifiers before administering the oral metoprolol.
Evaluating the client's apical pulse for one full minute and verifying two distinct client identifiers before administering metoprolol demonstrates adherence to the 'rights' of medication administration. Furthermore, checking the pulse is a critical pre-administration parameter for beta-blockers, and administering oral medications is well within the practical nurse's scope of practice.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Safe Medication Administration and PN Scope of Practice