A nurse is reviewing prescriptions for a client's medications. Which of the following prescriptions should the nurse clarify with the provider?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Digoxin 0.250 mg PO daily should be clarified with the provider because it is a relatively high dose for many clients, especially older adults or those with renal impairment. The usual maintenance dose is often 0.125 mg daily or lower, and dosing must be individualized based on serum digoxin levels, renal function, and heart rate. Because digoxin has a narrow therapeutic range and risk for toxicity (e.g., bradycardia, nausea, visual disturbances), this prescription requires clarification before administration. B. Morphine 4 mg IV bolus every 4 hours PRN pain is an appropriate prescription. Morphine is commonly used for moderate to severe pain and IV dosing every few hours as needed is within standard safe prescribing guidelines when appropriately monitored. C. Furosemide 10 mg PO every morning is a reasonable low dose of a loop diuretic and may be appropriate depending on the client’s condition (e.g., mild fluid overload, hypertension, or heart failure management). There is no immediate indication that this dose requires clarification. D. Regular insulin 4 units subcutaneous before breakfast is also appropriate. Short-acting insulin is commonly administered before meals to manage postprandial glucose levels, and this dose is within typical low-dose correction or scheduled regimens depending on blood glucose monitoring.