NCLEX: A 16-year-old adolescent on an adolescent psychiatric unit is being evaluated for anxiety about hospitalization….

Psychiatric / mental health nursing Psychosocial Integrity

Case Study

A 16-year-old adolescent on an adolescent psychiatric unit is being evaluated for anxiety about hospitalization. Assessment data include the client has not slept in 3 days and speech is rapid and pressured. Before a medication-related action, what must the nurse verify?

Question

A. Right client, medication, dose, route, time, allergies, indication, and relevant monitoring per protocol.
B. Administer on schedule even when the client is unarousable.
C. Skip allergy checks if the drug was given previously without reaction.
D. Delegate medication judgment to UAP to save time.

Rationale

Correct answer: A. Right client, medication, dose, route, time, allergies, indication, and relevant monitoring per protocol.

Rationale: Medication safety requires full rights verification and monitoring; shortcuts increase error risk on the NCLEX and at the bedside.

Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.

Level: Foundational

Difficulty: Easy

Subtopic: Therapeutic communication