Question

A 59-year-old client is scheduled for cardiac catheterization the next morning. His physician prescribed secobarbital sodium, 100 mg by mouth at bedtime, for sedation. Before administering the drug, the nurse should know that:

Answer 1

The nurse should confirm pre-procedural details with the medical team and verify the patient's identity and care plan along with conducting a time out with the entire team before the procedure. Understanding the sedative's proper use and monitoring the patient's response is also essential.

Step-by-step explanation:

Before administering secobarbital sodium for sedation, it's important that the nurse is aware of certain pre-procedural protocols. Members of the medical team, including the nurse and an anesthesia professional, should orally confirm the key concerns for the recovery and care of the patient, ensuring a shared understanding. This includes reviewing any potential risks or allergies the patient may have, understanding the planned procedure, and confirming the identity of the patient. In addition, a time out is conducted before the skin incision to ensure that there is a final verification by the entire team. This includes surgeons, nurses, anesthesia professionals, and any other staff involved in the care of the patient. The time out is a crucial step to prevent errors.

Moreover, the nurse should note that secobarbital sodium is a barbiturate used for sedation and understand that its administration should be managed carefully, observing the patient's response to the medication. The nurse should also review the patient's medical history for any potential contraindications or interactions with other drugs.