During a home visit, the patient asks if his spouse could take one of the patient's prescribed pain pills for a severe headache. How should the nurse respond to this request?
a. Explain that only 1 dose is permitted to be taken.
b. Suggest the spouse use an over-the-counter pain medication instead.
c. Discuss how frequently the spouse can safely take the prescribed pain medication.
d. Ask the spouse to contact the health care provider for a prescription for the medication.
ANS: D
D. Nurses are not able to prescribe medications. The best response would be for the spouse to contact the HCP and ask for a prescription for pain medication. A. B. C. The nurse cannot prescribe medication therefore explaining the number of doses to be taken, suggesting the use of over-the-counter pain medication, and discussing the frequency of taking the medication are all outside of the nurse's scope of practice, could jeopardize the nurse's license, and should not be done.
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A woman of Korean descent has just given birth to a son. Her partner wishes to give her sips of hot broth from a thermos they brought with them. They have refused your offer of ice chips or other cold drinks for the client
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