Question

A nurse is preparing to administer medications to a client who tells the nurse, "I don't want to take my fluid pill until I get home today." Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A) Administer the medication as prescribed.
B) Withhold the medication until the client gets home.
C) Ask the provider to change the medication schedule.
D) Educate the client about the importance of timely medication administration.

Answer 1

The nurse should educate the client on the importance of following their medication schedule and only after doing so, consider consulting with a provider for possible adjustments. The most convenient route for home administration of antimicrobials for systemic infections is oral.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse's appropriate action in this scenario would be to educate the client about the importance of timely medication administration. Medication regimens have specific timing for a reason, and it's essential to follow these schedules to ensure the efficacy of the treatment and to maintain therapeutic drug levels. After educating the client, if concerns persist, the nurse may consult with the provider about possible adjustments to the medication schedule. However, administering the "fluid pill" or diuretic at home could also imply challenges, as it usually requires increased urination, which could be inconvenient during the travel.

Regarding the administration of an antimicrobial to treat a systemic infection at home, the most appropriate and convenient route would be oral administration. Oral medications are easy to take and do not require the assistance of a healthcare professional, making them suitable for home use. The other options, such as intravenous, topical, and parenteral, may require special equipment and skills or are not suitable for systemic infections.