A newly ordered medication requires the nurse to make a dosage calculation. Which of the following is the best way to minimize
Defer the calculation process to the physician.
Call the pharmacy to provide the appropriate calculations.
Consult a current drug book to confirm the new dosage.
Have another licensed nurse confirm the calculation.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Defer the calculation process to the physician.: It is the nurse’s professional responsibility to calculate and verify medication dosages before administration. Deferring this task to the physician compromises accountability.
B. Call the pharmacy to provide the appropriate calculations.: While pharmacists can assist with complex dosing, the nurse should independently perform and verify dosage calculations. Relying solely on the pharmacy removes a critical safety check within the medication administration process.
C. Consult a current drug book to confirm the new dosage.: Referring to a drug reference is an excellent step for verifying safe dosage ranges and medication information but does not replace the need for independent dose calculation verification.
D. Have another licensed nurse confirm the calculation.: The best way to minimize error is to double-check the dosage with another licensed nurse. Independent verification ensures accuracy, particularly for high-risk medications such as insulin, heparin, and opioids, enhancing overall medication safety.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. HS.: HS stands for “at bedtime” or “hour of sleep.” It is used when a medication is to be administered once daily in the evening or before sleeping, not on an as-needed basis.
B. PRN.: PRN means “as needed” and is derived from the Latin phrase pro re nata. It indicates that a medication should be given only when necessary, such as for pain, nausea, or anxiety, based on the patient’s condition and nursing assessment.
C. PO.: PO stands for “by mouth” or “orally.” It refers to the route of medication administration, not the frequency or timing of dosing.
D. MAR.: MAR stands for “Medication Administration Record,” which is the document or electronic chart used by healthcare providers to record and verify medication administration times, doses, and routes.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Anticoagulants.: Anticoagulants such as heparin and warfarin are high-alert medications because dosing or administration errors can lead to life-threatening bleeding or thromboembolic events. They require close monitoring of coagulation parameters.
B. Chemotherapeutic agents.: Chemotherapy drugs are classified as high-alert due to their narrow therapeutic index and potential for severe toxicity. Even small dosing or timing errors can cause significant harm, including bone marrow suppression and organ damage.
C. Opioids.: Opioids are high-alert medications because of their potential to cause respiratory depression, sedation, and overdose when administered incorrectly. Careful dosage calculation and monitoring are essential, particularly in opioid-naïve clients.
D. Antihistamines.: Antihistamines are generally considered low-risk medications and are not classified as high-alert. While they may cause drowsiness or mild anticholinergic effects, these are rarely life-threatening, making them comparatively safer.
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