A nurse is admitting an older female client to the gynecology surgical unit. When the nurse asks the client what medication she is taking at home, the client responds that she is taking a little red...

A nurse is admitting an older female client to the gynecology surgical unit. When the nurse asks the client what medication she is taking at home, the client responds that she is taking a little red pill in the morning and a white capsule at night for her blood pressure. What action by the nurse is focused on safe, effective care of this client?

1. Consult the pharmacist regarding identification of the medications.

2. Show pictures to the client from the Physician's Desk Reference to identify the medications.

3. Consult the previous medical record from 2 years ago and notify the physician regarding medications that must be prescribed.

4. Ask a family member to bring the medications from home in the original vials for proper identification and administration times.