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. Determine medication adherence by the client:
This choice is incorrect as the nurse should first take immediate actions to address the client's weight gain and potential exacerbation of heart failure symptoms. While medication adherence is important, it's not the first action to take in this situation.
B. Teach the client about foods low in sodium:
This choice is incorrect as educating the client about sodium intake is important for managing heart failure, but the priority in this case is to address the current weight gain and potential worsening of the client's condition.
C. Encourage the client to dangle the legs while sitting in a chair:
This choice is incorrect. Dangling the legs while sitting in a chair can help improve blood circulation in some cases, but it's not the first action to take when the client has gained a significant amount of weight since the last visit. The priority should be addressing the weight gain and its potential impact on the client's heart failure.
D. Notify the provider of the client's weight gain:
This is the correct choice. When a client with heart failure experiences a sudden weight gain, it can indicate fluid retention and worsening of their condition. Notifying the healthcare provider about the weight gain is crucial to ensure timely assessment, potential medication adjustments, and other interventions to prevent further deterioration of the client's health. Prompt communication with the provider can help prevent complications associated with heart failure.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. "Decrease your daily sodium intake."
Incorrect Explanation: This instruction is appropriate for a client taking lithium carbonate.
Explanation: Lithium is a mood-stabilizing medication commonly prescribed for conditions like bipolar disorder. High levels of sodium can lead to increased lithium retention in the body, potentially raising the risk of toxicity. Advising the client to decrease their daily sodium intake helps prevent this.
B. "Take this medication 2 hours before a meal."
Incorrect Explanation: This instruction is not accurate for lithium carbonate.
Explanation: Lithium carbonate is typically taken with food or milk to help minimize stomach upset. Taking it on an empty stomach might increase the risk of gastrointestinal side effects.
C. "Limit foods containing tyramine."
Incorrect Explanation: This instruction is not directly relevant to lithium carbonate.
Explanation: Tyramine is a compound found in some foods and can interact with certain medications like monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), but it is not a primary concern with lithium carbonate.
D. "Report swelling of the feet to your provider."
Correct Explanation: This instruction is appropriate for a client taking lithium carbonate.
Explanation: Lithium can lead to water retention, which might result in swelling, particularly in the feet and ankles. Reporting swelling is important as it can be an early sign of potential side effects or changes in kidney function.
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