The nurse caring for a 72-year-old client admitted for treatment of depression notes that the
physician's order to begin therapy with an antidepressant calls for a dose greater than the usual adult
dose. The nurse should
a. consult a drug reference.
b. implement the order.
c. give the usual adult dose.
d. hold the medication and consult the physician.
ANS: D
The dose of antidepressants for elderly clients is often less than the usual adult dose. The nurse
should withhold the medication and consult the physician who wrote the order. The nurse's duty is
to intervene and protect the client. Option A is unnecessary because the nurse already knows the
dose is excessive. Option B is negligent. Option C: A nurse without prescriptive privileges cannot
change the dose.
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