A newly licensed nurse realizes that she administered metoprolol 25 mg PO to the wrong client. Which of the following actions should the nurse perform first?
Measure the client's vital signs.
Complete an incident report.
Inform the nurse manager.
Call the provider.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Measuring the client's vital signs is the first action that the nurse should perform, as it helps to assess the client's condition and the possible effects of the medication error. The nurse should monitor the client's blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate closely and report any changes or abnormalities to the provider.
Choice B reason: Completing an incident report is not the first action that the nurse should perform, as it does not address the client's immediate needs or safety. The nurse should complete an incident report after providing care to the client and documenting the medication error in the client's record. The incident report should include the facts of the error, the actions taken, and the outcome of the client.
Choice C reason: Informing the nurse manager is not the first action that the nurse should perform, as it does not provide any intervention or treatment for the client. The nurse should inform the nurse manager after measuring the client's vital signs and calling the provider. The nurse manager can offer support and guidance to the nurse and help with the follow-up actions.
Choice D reason: Calling the provider is not the first action that the nurse should perform, as it does not give the nurse any information about the client's status or the severity of the error. The nurse should call the provider after measuring the client's vital signs and reporting the findings. The provider can order any necessary tests or treatments for the client.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is the correct choice because this client has the most urgent and potentially life-threatening problem. Urinary retention after spinal surgery can lead to bladder distension, infection, renal damage, or autonomic dysreflexia (a dangerous rise in blood pressure and heart rate). The nurse should assess the client's bladder, catheterize the client if indicated, and notify the surgeon.
Choice B reason: This is not the correct choice because this client has a serious but not urgent problem. Pancreatic cancer is a malignant tumor that can affect the function of the pancreas and other organs. IV chemotherapy is a treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. The nurse should provide emotional support, education, and symptom management to this client, but they are not the highest priority.
Choice C reason: This is not the correct choice because this client has a chronic but not acute problem. Peripheral vascular disease is a condition that affects the blood vessels outside the heart and brain, causing reduced blood flow to the limbs. An absent pedal pulse indicates poor circulation in the foot, which can lead to pain, numbness, or tissue damage. The nurse should monitor the client's pulses, skin temperature, and color, and teach the client how to prevent complications, but they are not the highest priority.
Choice D reason: This is not the correct choice because this client has a stable but not critical problem. MRSA is a type of bacteria that is resistant to many antibiotics and can cause skin or systemic infections. An axillary temperature of 38°C (101°F) indicates a mild fever, which is a common sign of infection. The nurse should administer antibiotics as prescribed, observe the client for signs of sepsis, and follow infection control precautions, but they are not the highest priority.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is not the correct choice because this action is not the nurse's responsibility. Coordinating the team and the plan of care is the role of the case manager or the social worker, who can facilitate communication and collaboration among the different disciplines involved in the client's care.
Choice B reason: This is not the correct choice because this action is not the nurse's responsibility. Ordering durable medical equipment for the client's home is the role of the occupational therapist or the physical therapist, who can assess the client's functional needs and abilities and recommend the appropriate devices.
Choice C reason: This is not the correct choice because this action is not the nurse's responsibility. Helping the client obtain financial assistance is the role of the social worker or the financial counselor, who can identify the client's eligibility and options for funding and insurance coverage.
Choice D reason: This is the correct choice because this action is the nurse's responsibility. Performing a dietary assessment is part of the nursing process and the scope of practice of the nurse, who can evaluate the client's nutritional status and needs and provide education and counseling on diet modifications and interventions.
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