A nurse in an emergency department is performing triage on a group of clients.
Which of the following clients should the nurse see first?

The correct answer is: A

Choice A reason: Providing the nurse administering medications with an identifying vest can help reduce medication errors by making it easier for other staff and patients to identify the nurse responsible for medication administration. This can minimize interruptions and distractions, which are common causes of medication errors. It also serves as a visual reminder to the nurse of their critical role in medication safety.

Choice B reason: Removing medications from automatic dispensing systems before they are reviewed by pharmacists is not a recommended practice. Pharmacists play a crucial role in reviewing prescriptions for accuracy and potential drug interactions before dispensing. Therefore, medications should remain in the dispensing system until they have been properly reviewed and approved by a pharmacist.

Choice C reason: Waiting to document medications given to clients until the end of a shift is not advisable. Accurate and timely documentation is essential in healthcare, particularly when it comes to medication administration. Documentation should occur as soon as the medication is given to ensure that all healthcare providers have up-to-date information and to prevent errors such as omissions or duplications.

Choice D reason: Preparing medications for multiple clients at the same time increases the risk of errors, such as mix-ups between patients or incorrect dosing. It is best practice to prepare and administer medications for one client at a time, following the ‘five rights’ of medication administration: the right patient, the right drug, the right dose, the right route, and the right time.

Choice A rationale:

There are actually five rights of delegation: right task, right circumstance, right person, right direction/communication, and right supervision/evaluation. This statement is not accurate.

Choice B rationale:

It is not the duty of the delegatee to perform a task without asking questions. Effective delegation involves clear communication, including the opportunity for the delegatee to ask questions and seek clarification as needed.

Choice C rationale:

While the nurse manager plays a role in delegation, the responsibility for delegation does not solely rest on the nurse manager. Delegation is a shared responsibility among all nurses, and the person delegating the task must ensure it is appropriate and clear.