Question

A registered nurse (RN) asks a licensed practical nurse (LPN) to obtain a vial of mannitol for administration to a client. The LPN notes that the vial contains a few small crystals. Based on this observation, what would the LPN expect the RN to do?

a. Place the vial in warm water until the crystals dissolve.

b. Administer the medication as is.

c. Discard the vial and obtain a new one.

d. Shake the vial vigorously to dissolve the crystals.

Answer 1

The LPN would expect the RN to discard the vial and obtain a new one to ensure the quality and efficacy of the medication.

Step-by-step explanation:

The LPN would expect the RN to c. Discard the vial and obtain a new one. In this scenario, the presence of small crystals in the vial indicates that the mannitol has crystallized and may no longer be safe or effective for administration to the client. It is important to obtain a new vial to ensure the quality and efficacy of the medication.