The nurse is providing care for a 92-year-old patient who has a standing order for Ambien (zolpidem) prn for insomnia. When providing the medication for the patient as requested, which of the following actions by the nurse is best?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The best action by the nurse when providing Ambien (zolpidem) to a patient is to ensure the patient is in bed, ready for sleep, and raise the bed side rails. This is important to prevent falls and other injuries that can occur due to the medication causing drowsiness or confusion. Informing the patient that the medication will work within 10 min is not necessary as the patient may already know this information. Instructing the patient to eat crackers to reduce stomach irritation is also not necessary as the medication can be taken with or without food. Suggesting the patient take the medication routinely every night is not appropriate as the medication should only be taken as needed for insomnia.

The Nurse Is Providing Care for a 92-Year-Old Patient Who