While collecting a medication history, the patient admits to doubling the recommended dosage of an over-the-counter (OTC) medication, saying "It's harmless or they would require a prescription." What is the nurse's best response?
A) "OTC drugs are serious medications and carry serious risks if not taken as directed."
B) "Taking medications like that is careless and you could kill yourself doing it."
C) "Sometimes you need to take more than the package directs to treat the symptoms."
D) "Did you notify your doctor of the increased dosage you were taking?"
A
Feedback:
OTC drugs are no less a medication than prescription drugs and carry the same types of risks for overdosage and toxicity if directions are not followed. Although increasing the dosage is careless and dangerous, it is important to use the information as a teaching opportunity rather than scolding the patient. Agreeing with the patient or asking her if she talked to the doctor misses the teaching opportunity, which could be harmful for the patient.
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