A nurse is preparing to administer morphine 4 mg IV bolus to a client who reports pain. Available is morphine 10 mg/mL. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Have another nurse witness the disposal of the extra medication.
Discard the extra medication in a sharps container.
Save the extra medication for a later dosing.
Send the waste amount to the pharmacy.
The Correct Answer is A
A. In many institutions, when a nurse administers a controlled substance and has leftover medication, it is standard practice to have another nurse witness the disposal of the excess. This is a safeguard against misuse and ensures accountability.
B. While a sharps container is appropriate for disposing of needles and other sharp objects, it is not suitable for liquid medications. Discarding liquid medications in a sharps container could lead to contamination and is not compliant with disposal protocols.
C. Medications, especially controlled substances, should never be saved for later use once they have been drawn up or prepared. This practice poses a significant risk for medication errors and misuse.
D. Generally, the waste amount is not sent to the pharmacy. Instead, it should be wasted according to the facility's policy, typically in the presence of another nurse. Sending it to the pharmacy is unnecessary and could create logistical complications.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. While prioritizing tasks is important, simply instructing the team member to focus on the most necessary tasks does not address the root of the problem. It may not provide the support or resources needed to effectively manage their workload.
B. While this might seem helpful in the short term, it does not empower the team member or address the issue of workload management. Taking on too much responsibility can also lead to burnout for the RN and is not a sustainable solution.
C. This option does not consider the needs of the original team member and may disrupt teamwork or create additional stress for other staff. It’s important to address the workload collaboratively rather than simply redistributing it without context.
D. This is the best initial action. By examining the workload together, the RN can help the team member identify which tasks are most critical and which can be deferred or delegated. This approach fosters collaboration, empowers the team member, and ensures that patient care needs are met efficiently.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. While it's important to obtain a formal DNR order, the nurse should not delay providing emergency care while waiting for the order. The client's immediate needs take precedence.
B. The risk manager can provide guidance and support, but they cannot provide immediate medical care. The nurse's priority should be to provide emergency care to the client.
C. Even in the absence of a formal DNR order, the nurse has a legal and ethical duty to provide emergency care to a client who is in cardiac or respiratory arrest.
D. This is the most appropriate action. The nurse should immediately call the emergency response team to initiate resuscitation efforts. While waiting for the team to arrive, the nurse should continue to provide basic life support measures, such as CPR and rescue breathing. Once the emergency response team arrives, they will take over the resuscitation efforts and obtain a formal DNR order from the provider if necessary.
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