The nurse reviews the medication administration records and laboratory results for assigned clients. Which medication requires that the health care provider be notified before administration?

Question

The nurse reviews the medication administration records and laboratory results for assigned clients.  Which medication requires that the health care provider be notified before administration?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Clopidogrel (Plavix) is a platelet aggregation inhibitor used to prevent blood clot formation in clients with recent myocardial infarction, acute coronary syndrome, cardiac stents, stroke, or peripheral vascular disease. Because it can cause thrombocytopenia and increase the risk for bleeding, the nurse should notify the health care provider (HCP) of the low platelet count (normal: 150,000-400,000/mm³ [150-400 × 10⁹/L]) before administering clopidogrel. (Option A) Calcium acetate (PhosLo) is used to control hyperphosphatemia in clients with end-stage kidney disease by binding to phosphate in the intestines and excreting it in the stool. Because the phosphate level is high (normal adult: 2.4-4.4 mg/dL [0.78-1.42 mmol/L]), it is not necessary to notify the HCP. (Option C) Magnesium sulfate is used to correct hypomagnesemia and treat torsades de pointes and seizures associated with eclampsia. Because the magnesium level is low (normal adult: 1.5-2.5 mEq/L [0.75-1.25 mmol/L]), it is not necessary to notify the HCP. (Option D) Metformin (Glucophage) is a first-line drug for the control of blood sugar in clients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Glycosylated hemoglobin (A_1C) measures the total hemoglobin that has glucose attached to it, expressed as a percentage. Glucose remains attached to the red blood cell for the life of the cell (about 120 days) and reflects glycemic control over an extended period. The recommended A_1C level for a client with diabetes is <7%. Although the A_1C level is elevated, the medication would be administered regardless of the result (unless the client is hypoglycemic), so it is not necessary to notify the HCP. Educational objective: Clopidogrel (Plavix) can cause thrombocytopenia (platelet count <150,000/mm³ [150 × 10⁹/L]) and increase a client's risk for bleeding.

The Nurse Reviews the Medication Administration Records and Laboratory Results