Question

The nurse is preparing to administer prescribed mannitol (Osmitrol) to a client with a severe head injury. Which precaution does the nurse take before administering this medication?

a.Draw up the medication using a filtered needle.
b.Have injectable naloxone (Narcan) prepared and ready at the bedside.
c.Prepare to hyperventilate the client before drug administration.
d.Discontinue a barbiturate-induced coma before drug administration.

Answer 1

Before administering mannitol (Osmitrol) to a client with a severe head injury, the nurse must use a filtered needle to prevent any potential mannitol crystals from entering the patient's bloodstream.

Step-by-step explanation:

When preparing to administer prescribed mannitol (Osmitrol) to a client with a severe head injury, the precaution that the nurse should take before administering the medication is: a. Draw up the medication using a filtered needle. Mannitol can crystallize, and a filter is necessary to prevent these crystals from entering the patient's bloodstream. The other options mentioned do not apply to mannitol administration. Naloxone (Narcan) is an opioid-overdose antidote and thus not relevant in this context. Hyperventilating the client before drug administration or discontinuing a barbiturate-induced coma before drug administration are not standard precautions or requirements prior to mannitol administration.