A nurse is unfamiliar with a medication they are preparing to administer to a client. Prior to administering the medication, the nurse should refer to which of the following resources?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Physicians' Desk Reference (PDR). The PDR is a comprehensive drug reference that provides essential information on medications, including indications, dosages, contraindications, adverse effects, and interactions. It is a reliable resource for nurses to review before administering an unfamiliar medication. B. State Nurse Practice Act (NPA). The NPA defines the scope of nursing practice and legal responsibilities but does not provide specific drug information. While it guides nurses on legal and ethical aspects of medication administration, it is not a medication reference. C. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). AHRQ focuses on improving healthcare quality and patient safety but does not serve as a primary source for drug-specific information. It provides guidelines and research on best practices rather than detailed medication data. D. Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN). QSEN aims to improve nursing education and competency in patient safety but does not offer detailed drug reference materials. It emphasizes principles such as evidence-based practice and quality improvement rather than specific medication details.