A nurse is preparing to administer medications to a client and discovers a medication error. The nurse should recognize that which of the following staff members is responsible for completing an incident report?
The nurse who identifies the error
The quality Improvement committee
The charge nurse
The nurse who caused the error
The Correct Answer is A
A. The nurse who identifies the error:
This choice is correct. When a medication error is identified, the nurse who discovers the error is responsible for completing an incident report. Incident reports are a formal way to document any unexpected or adverse events that occur in a healthcare setting, including medication errors. The report helps track incidents, analyze their causes, and implement preventive measures. It's important for the reporting nurse to provide accurate and detailed information about the error.
B. The Quality Improvement Committee:
This choice is incorrect. While the Quality Improvement (QI) Committee plays a role in analyzing trends, identifying areas for improvement, and developing strategies to enhance patient care quality, they are not typically responsible for completing individual incident reports. The responsibility for reporting and documenting a specific incident, such as a medication error, lies with the staff members directly involved.
C. The charge nurse:
This choice is incorrect. The charge nurse is responsible for overseeing the nursing unit's operations, including staffing and patient care coordination. While the charge nurse may be involved in addressing the situation and ensuring appropriate actions are taken following a medication error, they are not necessarily responsible for completing the incident report. The reporting responsibility usually falls on the nurse who identifies the error.
D. The nurse who caused the error:
This choice is incorrect. While it's important for the nurse who caused the error to communicate the error to appropriate parties and participate in any necessary corrective actions, the primary responsibility for completing the incident report usually lies with the nurse who identifies the error. The reporting nurse's perspective is crucial for understanding the context and details of the error.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Place the medications on the back of the client's tongue:
Incorrect Explanation: Placing medications on the back of the tongue can increase the risk of choking and aspiration, especially in individuals with dysphagia.
Explanation: Individuals with dysphagia have difficulty swallowing and are at an increased risk of choking or aspirating (inhaling) substances into the lungs. Placing medications on the back of the tongue can be unsafe and is not recommended.
B. Tilt the client's head back when administering the medications:
Incorrect Explanation: Tipping the head back can worsen swallowing difficulties and increase the risk of choking or aspiration.
Explanation: Tipping the head back can compromise the natural swallowing mechanism and increase the risk of aspiration. It's important to keep the client's head in an upright position to aid safe swallowing.
C. Administer more than one pill to the client at a time:
Incorrect Explanation: Administering multiple pills at once can increase the risk of choking and aspiration, especially in individuals with dysphagia.
Explanation: Administering multiple pills at once can overwhelm the client's ability to swallow safely. This action can increase the risk of choking and aspiration, which is especially dangerous for individuals with dysphagia.
D. Mix the medications with a semisolid food for the client:
Correct Answer: This action is appropriate and safer for administering medications to an older adult client with dysphagia.
Explanation: Mixing medications with semisolid food, such as applesauce or yogurt, can help the client swallow more easily and reduce the risk of choking or aspiration. It's important to check with the healthcare provider or pharmacist to ensure that the medications can be mixed with food and that there are no interactions.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Insert the needle at least 5 cm (2 in) from the umbilicus: Correct. Subcutaneous injections, including heparin, should be given in fatty tissue away from major blood vessels and bony prominences. The recommended sites are usually the abdomen, thighs, or upper arms.
B. Aspirate before injecting the medication: Incorrect. Aspiration is not required for subcutaneous injections because they are administered into the subcutaneous fat layer, not a blood vessel. Aspiration could cause trauma and discomfort to the client.
C. Massage the site after administering the medication: Incorrect. Massaging the site after administering heparin can cause bruising or discomfort. Instead, it's recommended to apply gentle pressure with a sterile gauze pad for a few seconds.
D. Use a 21-gauge needle for the injection: Incorrect. Subcutaneous injections are typically administered with smaller gauge needles, such as 25-30 gauge, to minimize pain and tissue damage.
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