A patient is taking a drug that has known toxic side effects. What will the nurse do?
A) Discontinue the drug at the first signs of toxicity.
B) Ensure that complete blood counts are ordered periodically.
C) Monitor the function of all organs potentially affected by the drug.
D) Teach the patient how to treat the symptoms if they develop.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When a drug is administered that has known toxic side effects, the nurse is responsible for monitoring all organ systems potentially affected by the drug. Not all toxic side effects warrant discontinuation of the drug, and a nurse cannot discontinue a drug without an order from the provider. Complete blood counts are indicated only for drugs that affect the blood. Some drugs need to be discontinued, so teaching a patient to treat symptoms is not correct in all cases.

A Patient Is Taking a Drug That Has Known Toxic