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?

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.

A. Placing wet towels along the base of the door: While this action may help prevent smoke from entering or exiting the room, it is not the immediate priority. Activating the fire alarm takes precedence to alert others to the fire and initiate the appropriate response.

B. Turning off any electrical equipment: While turning off electrical equipment can reduce the risk of electrical fires, it is not the immediate priority. Activating the fire alarm is the first step to ensure the safety of everyone in the facility.

C. Activate the facility's fire alarm.

Activating the fire alarm is crucial because it immediately alerts others in the facility to the presence of a fire, enabling them to respond appropriately. This action initiates the facility's fire safety protocols, including evacuating the area and summoning professional assistance to extinguish the fire. The sooner the alarm is activated, the quicker the response can be, reducing the risk to individuals and property.

D. Directing a fire extinguisher at the fire: While using a fire extinguisher may be necessary to extinguish the fire, it should only be done after activating the fire alarm to ensure that emergency personnel are alerted and responding to the situation.