A nurse is completing an 8-hour I&O record for a client who consumed 4 oz juice, 6 oz hot tea, 100 mL ice chips, an IV bolus of 150 mL, and 8 oz broth. The nurse should record how many mL of intake on the client’s record?

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: The correct instruction is to hold the cane on the right side, which is the side opposite the weaker leg. This provides better support and balance for the weaker side.

B: Removing the rubber tip from the cane is not recommended. The rubber tip provides traction and stability, reducing the risk of slipping.

C: Advancing the right leg and the cane together is incorrect. The cane should move with the weaker leg (left leg in this case) to provide support during ambulation.

D: Placing the cane 61 cm (24 in) in front of the feet is too far. The cane should be placed about 15-25 cm (6-10 in) in front of the feet to provide optimal support and balance.