A health care provider prescribes lorazepam (Ativan) for an anxious older adult. What is the nurse's best action?
a. Assess for a history of drug abuse.
b. Administer the drug as prescribed.
c. Confer with the health care provider.
d. Assess the patient's pupillary reaction to light.
B
Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine that has a short half-life. It might be administered safely to older adult patients, although the dose should often be modified downward. It is inadvisable to give benzodiazepines with longer half-lives to older adult patients.
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Order: Rifampin 600 mg in 500 mL D5W to infuse at 125 mL/hr. Which of the following would be the appropriate IV for this order? _____
a. 1,000 mL D5W b. 1,000 mL NS c. 500 mL D5W d. 500 mL NS
During an ocular assessment of a 47-year-old man, the patient informs the nurse that he often sees fibers in his vision. The nurse informs the patient:
A) This is a normal aging process of the eye. B) Glasses will minimize this. C) He may be exhibiting signs of glaucoma. D) This may be a result of weakened ciliary muscles.
A patient is concerned that the spouse is planning to commit suicide. What can the nurse respond to this patient?
A) "People who commit suicide do not regularly see a physician." B) "Two-thirds of attempted suicides are unsuccessful." C) "A chronic illness is the most reliable indicator for a suicide attempt." D) "Firearms in the home and substance abuse are risk factors."
When auscultating the heart of a 3-year-old girl, an irregular heartbeat is assessed. The nurse recognizes that:
a. This is normal for a child younger than 4 years of age b. The arrhythmia should be documented and reported to the charge nurse c. This may be caused by anxiety and should be rechecked in 1 hour d. This is an emergency, and help should be called