A nurse is preparing to administer a medication to a client for the first time. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to help ensure safe medication administration?

Read the medication label twice prior to administration.

Use one patient identifier prior to medication administration.

Access the online drug formulary for an unfamiliar medication.

Ask the client if they have ever taken a similar medication.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. Read the medication label twice prior to administration.

This action is crucial to ensure that the nurse correctly identifies the medication and verifies the dosage before administering it to the patient. By double-checking the medication label, the nurse can confirm that they have the right medication, in the correct dose, for the correct patient, and via the correct route. This practice helps prevent medication errors and promotes patient safety.

B. Use one patient identifier prior to medication administration.

Explanation: Using at least one patient identifier, such as the patient's name or date of birth, is a standard safety practice to confirm the patient's identity before administering any medication. This helps ensure that the medication is given to the right patient, reducing the risk of administering medications to the wrong individual.

C. Access the online drug formulary for an unfamiliar medication.

Explanation: While it's essential to be knowledgeable about medications, relying solely on an online drug formulary for unfamiliar medications may not be sufficient for safe administration. Online resources can provide valuable information, but they should supplement, not replace, comprehensive education and understanding of medications. Nurses should have a solid understanding of the medications they administer and consult additional resources as needed.

D. Ask the client if they have ever taken a similar medication.

Explanation: While it's important to gather information from the patient about their medical history and previous experiences with medications, solely relying on the patient's response may not be sufficient for ensuring safe medication administration. Patients may not always accurately recall or provide complete information about their medication history. Nurses should verify medication orders through appropriate channels and rely on documented medical records whenever possible to confirm medication history and suitability for administration.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Administer metronidazole:

Metronidazole is an antibiotic medication used to treat bacterial infections, particularly those caused by anaerobic bacteria and certain parasites. It is not effective against viral infections like influenza. Administering metronidazole would not prevent the spread of influenza.

B. Don protective eyewear before entering the room:

Protective eyewear is typically worn when there is a risk of exposure to bodily fluids or other potentially infectious materials that could splash or splatter into the eyes. While protective eyewear is an important infection control measure in certain situations, it is not specifically indicated for preventing the spread of influenza, which primarily spreads through respiratory droplets.

C. Place the client in a negative airflow room:

Negative airflow rooms are designed to prevent airborne transmission of infectious agents by maintaining negative air pressure, which prevents contaminated air from flowing out of the room and into adjacent areas. While negative airflow rooms may be used for certain infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis, they are not typically indicated for influenza, which primarily spreads through respiratory droplets. Moreover, negative airflow rooms are often limited in availability and may not be necessary for every client with influenza.

D. Wear a mask when working within 3 feet of the client.

Influenza is primarily spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Wearing a mask when working within close proximity (within 3 feet) of the client helps prevent the nurse from inhaling respiratory droplets containing the influenza virus, reducing the risk of transmission. Masks act as a barrier that helps trap respiratory secretions and prevent them from reaching the nurse's mouth and nose.

A. Extend the client's neck while securing the ties. B. Use a quick-release knot to secure the ties. C. Allow space for three fingers under the ties when securing. D. Cut the old ties after the new ties are secured

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Extend the client's neck while securing the ties: This action can compromise the client's airway and is not recommended during tracheostomy tie changes. The client's neck should be in a comfortable, neutral position during the procedure.

B. Use a quick-release knot to secure the ties: Quick-release knots are not typically used for securing tracheostomy ties. Instead, a secure knot that can be easily tied and untied is preferred to ensure the stability of the tracheostomy tube.

C. Allow space for three fingers under the ties when securing.

Allowing space for three fingers is not a standard practice for tracheostomy ties. The ties should be snug but not overly tight, typically allowing for one or two fingers’ width to ensure proper fit and comfort.

D. When changing tracheostomy ties, it is essential to maintain airway security and prevent accidental dislodgement of the tracheostomy tube. The nurse should secure the new ties first before removing the old ones to ensure the tracheostomy remains stable.

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