NCLEX: A 42-year-old client in a crisis stabilization unit is being evaluated for agitation on an inpatient psychiatric…

Psychiatric / mental health nursing Psychosocial Integrity

Case Study

A 42-year-old client in a crisis stabilization unit is being evaluated for agitation on an inpatient psychiatric unit. Assessment data include the client is pacing aggressively, clenching fists, and refusing to sit. 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: Advanced

Difficulty: Hard

Subtopic: Milieu safety