The nurse is teaching the family of an infant with cerebral palsy how to administer a diazepam (Valium) pill by gastrostomy tube. What should the nurse include in the teaching session?
a. The pill should be crushed and mixed with a small amount of water.
b. The pill should be crushed and mixed with the infant's formula.
c. After administering the medication, flush the tube with air.
d. Before administering the medication, check the placement of the tube.
a. The pill should be crushed and mixed with a small amount of water.
Pills may be crushed and mixed with small amounts of water but not other liquids, such as formula or elixir medications, because these may act together to form a sludge that can interfere with gastrostomy tube function. When crushed pills or tablets are administered, flush the feeding tube with more water after instilling the dissolved pill in water. The tube should not be flushed with air, and placement does not need to be checked because it is directly into the stomach.
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A certified nurse's aide (CNA) has been reported to the nurse manager for refusing to perform hand hygiene between clients when providing morning care. Which statement by the nurse manager would be the most effective?
1. "Do you need a class on hand hygiene?" 2. "Forgetting to perform hand hygiene between clients can spread infection." 3. "Why do you refuse to perform hand hygiene?" 4. "If I hear of any more instances of you not performing hand hygiene, I will write you up."
A patient's cardiac monitor reveals a regular rhythm with a rate of 240 beats per minute. No P waves are distinguishable. The patient is alert and says, "My heart is racing." What nursing intervention is indicated?
1. Gather equipment to begin anticoagulant therapy. 2. Defibrillate the patient. 3. Prepare the patient for immediate cardioversion. 4. Ask the patient to bear down as if moving the bowels.
The nurse has developed a plan of care for a client experiencing dystocia and includes several nursing interventions in the plan. The nurse prioritizes the plan and selects which of the following nursing interventions as the highest priority?
1. Monitoring fetal status 2. Providing comfort measures 3. Changing the client's position frequently 4. Keeping the significant other informed of the progress of the labor
A nurse transcribes a new prescription for potassium penicillin G IV q8h and gentamicin IV q12h. Which plan represents the best schedule for administering these drugs?
1. Give the penicillin at 0800, 1600, and 2400; give the gentamicin at 1800 and 0600. 2. Give the penicillin at 0800, 1600, and 2400; give the gentamicin at 1200 and 2400. 3. Give the penicillin at 0600, 1400, and 2200; give the gentamicin at 0600 and 1800. 4. Give the penicillin every 8 hours; give the gentamicin simultaneously with two of the penicillin doses.