A Physician Writes an Order to Give a Saline Injection

question 24

Multiple Choice

A physician writes an order to give a saline injection to a patient who has been requesting frequent meperidine (Demerol) shots. Which initial response by the LPN is best?

• A)Administer the saline and carefully document the patient's response.
• B)Tell the patient that the physician has ordered a placebo.
• C)Tell the patient that a pain shot is being administered, without revealing exactly what it is.
• D)Tell the physician that he or she is not comfortable administering saline if the patient thinks it is Demerol.

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Definitions:

Buffer

A solution or substance that minimizes changes in pH by absorbing or releasing hydrogen ions.

Acidic

Describes substances with a pH less than 7, characterized by a higher concentration of hydrogen ions.

Neutralize

To render something harmless by applying an opposite force or effect, such as neutralizing an acid with a base.

Denature

The process by which a protein loses its three-dimensional structure due to external stress or compounds, affecting its functionality.