The nurse is preparing to administer Lanoxin to a patient on the telemetry unit. In addition to understanding the patient's diagnosis, the nurse must also know which characteristic(s) of the medication? (Select all that apply.)

Question

a. Chemical composition
b. Adverse effects
c. Expected actions
d. Contraindications for use
e. Usual dosing

Answer 1

ANS: B, C, D, E
The nurse must understand the individual patient's diagnosis and symptoms that correlate with the rationale for drug use. The nurse should also know why a medication is ordered, expected actions, usual dosing, proper dilution, route and rate of administration, adverse effects, and contraindications for the use of a particular drug. It is not required that the nurse know the chemical composition of the medication prior to administration.