A psychiatrist prescribes oral aripiprazole 10 mg daily for a client with schizophrenia.This medication is unfamiliar to the nurse,and she cannot find it in the hospital formulary or other references.How should she proceed?

A) Administer the medication as ordered.
B) Hold the medication and notify the prescriber.
C) Consult with a pharmacist before administering it.
D) Ask the patient's RN for information about the medication.

The nurse must recognize when she does not have the knowledge or skill needed to implement an order.Because the nurse is unfamiliar with the medication,that does not mean she should hold it and delay patient treatment.It is wisest to first consult with the pharmacist for information before administering the medication to ensure safe practice.Administering the medication as ordered,without knowing its expected actions and side effects,at the least prevents adequate reassessment; at the most,it is dangerous.Holding the medication and notifying the prescriber prevents the client from receiving timely treatment-many drugs are less effective if a consistent schedule is not maintained.Asking another nurse to administer the medication is also unsafe because it cannot be assumed that the other nurse has the correct knowledge.In addition,the nurse caring for the client must assess for adverse reactions to the medication.