NCLEX: A 55-year-old client in postanesthesia care is being evaluated for scheduled medications. Assessment data include…

Pharmacology Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

Case Study

A 55-year-old client in postanesthesia care is being evaluated for scheduled medications. Assessment data include the client has respiratory rate 10/min and is difficult to arouse after opioid administration. Before a medication-related action, what must the nurse verify?

Question

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

Rationale

Correct answer: C. 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: Medication administration rights