A nurse is reviewing a client’s medication administration record. The nurse should identify that which of the following prescriptions requires further clarification?
Explanation & Rationale
A) ibuprofen 200 mg PO every 4 to 6 hr PRN: Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for pain relief or inflammation. The prescription of 200 mg every 4 to 6 hours PRN is within the normal dosing range for adults and follows standard practices. The client should not exceed the recommended daily dose of 1200 mg when using over-the-counter ibuprofen. No further clarification is needed for this prescription. B) Fluoxetine 20 mg PO OD in the a.m: Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly prescribed for conditions like depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. The prescribed dose of 20 mg once daily in the morning is appropriate, as fluoxetine is often started at 20 mg for depression treatment. No clarification is necessary for this prescription. C) Bupropion 150 mg PO once per day: Bupropion is used for depression, smoking cessation, and other conditions. A starting dose of 150 mg daily is common for this medication. Bupropion is typically prescribed once daily in the morning to minimize insomnia and prevent adverse effects. No clarification is needed for this prescription. D) Zolpidem 5 mg PO once per day PRN sleep: Zolpidem is a sedative-hypnotic used to treat insomnia. The prescribed dose of 5 mg daily is within the standard range for women and appropriate for starting treatment. However, the prescription states "PRN" (as needed), which may not align with proper use for treating insomnia, as zolpidem is typically prescribed for nightly use when needed. Additionally, using zolpidem PRN may be confusing for the client, as it is often intended for short-term use when sleep disturbances are persistent. It would be prudent to clarify the frequency of use and ensure the dosing schedule aligns with best practices for insomnia treatment.