The nurse is preparing to administer a prescribed drug to a patient. The patient looks at the tablet and says, "This doesn't look like my usual pill." Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?
A) "This is the same pill your doctor has been ordering."
B) "It must be from a different manufacturer."
C) "It looks different? Are you sure?"
D) "Let me double check with your doctor and the order."
Ans: D
Feedback:
If the patient makes any statement about the drug, the nurse needs to hold the drug and investigate the patient's statement, double checking the chart and the order and obtaining clarification and/or confirmation from the prescriber. It may be that the dosage or manufacturer has changed and that is what makes the pill look different. It is always important to err on the side of caution. Telling the patient that the pill is the same or that it is from a different manufacturer may be true, but the nurse needs to confirm that before giving it to the patient. Repeating the patient's statement and then asking him if he is sure is inappropriate because it implies that the patient is incorrect.
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