An order is written for meperidine (Demerol),500 mg IM q3-4h prn for pain.The nurse recognizes that this is significantly more than the usual therapeutic dose.Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A) Give 50 mg IM as it was probably intended to be written.
B) Refuse to give the medication, and notify the nurse manager.
C) Administer the medication, and watch the patient carefully.
D) Call the prescriber to clarify the order.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Meperidine 500 mg IM is significantly higher than the usual therapeutic dose, and the nurse should clarify the order with the prescriber to ensure patient safety. Administering the medication without clarification or refusing to administer without clarification can result in harm to the patient, while giving only 50 mg IM may not adequately relieve the patient's pain.

An Order Is Written for Meperidine (Demerol),500 Mg IM Q3-4h