A nurse is preparing to administer a medication and is unfamiliar with the medication. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Search for the medication on the National Library of Medicine's MedlinePlus website.
Ask the charge nurse to explain the purpose of the medication.
Ask the client to state the indication for the medication.
Allow the client to self-administer the prepared medication.
The Correct Answer is A
Rationale:
A. Search for the medication on the National Library of Medicine's MedlinePlus website: This action allows the nurse to independently access a reliable, evidence-based source to gather essential information about the medication, including its purpose, dosage, side effects, and precautions. It promotes safe and informed medication administration.
B. Ask the charge nurse to explain the purpose of the medication: While consulting experienced colleagues is acceptable, relying solely on another person without verifying the medication through a formal, credible source may lead to misinformation. Independent verification is a safer and more accountable approach.
C. Ask the client to state the indication for the medication: Clients may not always have accurate knowledge of their medications or may misunderstand the reason for their use. Relying on client input does not ensure medication safety and is not a substitute for clinical validation.
D. Allow the client to self-administer the prepared medication: Allowing a client to self-administer a medication that the nurse does not understand is unsafe and violates standards of medication administration. Nurses are responsible for knowing what they administer and ensuring it is appropriate for the client's condition.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. "Controlled substances are kept in the bottom drawer of the medication cart.": Controlled substances are stored in locked, secure medication dispensing systems or locked drawers—not casually in the bottom drawer. Security measures are in place to prevent diversion and ensure accurate tracking.
B. "I should verify the number of controlled substances at the end of the shift. The provider is responsible for inventory of controlled substances.": While end-of-shift counts are standard practice, the nurse not the provider is responsible for verifying inventory at shift change. Accountability for handling and documenting controlled substances lies with nursing staff.
C. "If a controlled substance requires a waste, a second nurse must witness the waste.":
This is a correct and essential safety protocol. When wasting part of a controlled substance dose, a second licensed nurse must witness and document the waste to prevent diversion and ensure accurate medication tracking.
D. "Computer controlled substance inventory is reported to the Drug Enforcement Administration every 10 years.": Facilities are required to maintain records and conduct regular audits, and the DEA mandates inventory at least every 2 years not every 10. Reporting frequency and requirements are more stringent.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Ensure the client is aware of the scheduled time for the procedure: While knowing the time of surgery is helpful for preparation, it is not a requirement for informed consent. The key issue is whether the client understands the procedure itself and its implications.
B. Make sure the client has been informed about the risks of the procedure: Before witnessing informed consent, the nurse must confirm that the client has received complete information from the provider about the procedure, including its purpose, risks, benefits, and alternatives. This ensures the client is making an informed decision.
C. Ensure the client receives opioid medication prior to giving consent for the procedure: Administering opioids before consent can impair the client's cognitive ability to understand and voluntarily agree. Consent must be obtained while the client is alert and oriented, prior to any sedating medications.
D. Make sure the client's family agrees to the procedure: Consent is only valid when given by the competent client. Family agreement is not legally required unless the client is unable to consent and a legal surrogate is designated.
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