Questions: A nurse is preparing to administer medication to a client who has a prescription for docusate sodium 50 mg capsule PO twice daily. The client refuses to take the medication because of nausea. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? Administer a docusate sodium capsule rectally. Withhold the medication. Administer 100 mg docusate sodium with the next scheduled administration. Encourage the client to take the medication as the provider prescribed.

The answer is the second one: Withhold the medication.

Explanation for each option:

• Administer a docusate sodium capsule rectally: This is incorrect because the prescription specifies oral administration (PO), and changing the route of administration without a provider's order is not appropriate.

• Withhold the medication: This is correct because the client is experiencing nausea and refuses to take the medication. The nurse should withhold the medication and notify the healthcare provider to get further instructions.

• Administer 100 mg docusate sodium with the next scheduled administration: This is incorrect because doubling the dose without a provider's order is not safe or appropriate.

• Encourage the client to take the medication as the provider prescribed: This is incorrect because the client is experiencing nausea, and it is important to address the client's discomfort and concerns rather than insisting on taking the medication.

Summary: The nurse should withhold the medication and notify the healthcare provider to address the client's nausea and receive further instructions.