NURS 3100 Exam 1 Practice

A client asks a nurse why a prescribed medication is very expensive. What is the best response by the nurse?

1. Ask the healthcare provider if a cheaper brand name drug may be substituted

2. Contact the healthcare provider to ask if a generic drug may be substituted

3. Help the client receive free medicine through a "patient assistance" program

4. Maintain the client on samples of the brand name drug from the physician's office

The correct answer is: Ask the healthcare provider if a cheaper brand name drug may be substituted

The best response by the nurse in this scenario would be to ask the healthcare provider if a cheaper brand name drug may be substituted. This is because the nurse should first explore the possibility of finding a more affordable alternative that would still be effective for the client. This response addresses the client's concern regarding the cost of the medication while ensuring that the client's treatment needs are still met. Options B, C, and D may also be viable solutions in certain situations, but they do not directly address the client's inquiry about the expensive medication. Asking the healthcare provider about substituting for a cheaper brand name drug is the most appropriate initial response in this case.