A nurse has withdrawn a narcotic from the medication dispenser and must waste a portion of the medication. What should the nurse do?

A: The nurse is ultimately responsible for the error. Nurses are responsible for ensuring the correct administration of medications, which includes verifying the correct dosage. When a nurse administers medication, they must double-check the order, especially if it is unclear or illegible. In this case, the nurse misinterpreted the scribbled order and administered an incorrect dose, making them accountable for the error. Nurses are trained to seek clarification if there is any doubt about a medication order to prevent such mistakes.

B: The health care provider, while responsible for prescribing the medication, is not ultimately responsible for the administration error in this scenario. The provider’s role is to ensure that the prescription is clear and accurate. However, if the order is unclear, it is the nurse’s responsibility to seek clarification before administering the medication. The health care provider would be responsible if the error was due to a prescribing mistake, but in this case, the error occurred during the administration phase.

C: The hospital, as an institution, provides the environment and resources for patient care but is not directly responsible for individual medication administration errors. The hospital’s role includes ensuring that systems are in place for safe medication practices, such as proper training and protocols. However, the responsibility for the error lies with the individual who administered the medication incorrectly.

D: The pharmacist’s role is to dispense medications accurately and provide information about the medication. While pharmacists can catch potential errors in prescriptions, they are not responsible for the administration of the medication. In this case, the pharmacist would not be held accountable for the nurse’s misinterpretation and incorrect administration of the medication.

A: Having the client move in with a family member or close friend can provide emotional support and assistance with daily activities. However, it does not specifically address the safety needs related to hearing loss. While this option can be beneficial, it is not the most direct solution for ensuring the client’s safety in their home environment.

B: Encouraging the client to get a roommate can also provide companionship and assistance. However, like option A, it does not directly address the specific safety concerns associated with hearing loss. The presence of a roommate might help in emergencies, but it is not a guaranteed solution for all safety issues.

C: Increasing the sound on all alarms might seem like a logical step, but it is not effective for someone with full hearing loss. This approach does not ensure that the client will be alerted to emergencies, as they may not hear the alarms regardless of the volume.

D: Installing flashing lights for alarms is the most effective recommendation for a client with full hearing loss. Visual alarms can alert the client to emergencies such as fires or intruders, ensuring their safety. This solution directly addresses the client’s inability to hear auditory alarms and provides a reliable method for emergency alerts.