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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. This action exemplifies nursing advocacy. Ensuring that a client has given informed consent means that the nurse is making sure the patient understands their treatment options, the risks involved, and the potential benefits.
B. While sharing experiences can be helpful, influencing a client’s decision based on the nurse's own experiences can compromise the client’s autonomy. Advocacy means supporting the patient in making their own informed choices rather than directing them toward a specific decision.
C. Discussing a client’s medical treatment with someone who is not part of the healthcare team or not authorized to receive that information violates patient confidentiality and privacy rights. Advocacy includes respecting the client’s right to privacy and not disclosing information without consent.
D. While nurses can provide education and information about treatment options, recommending specific surgical or treatment options is generally outside the scope of nursing practice. Advocacy involves helping clients understand their options and supporting them in their decisions, not directing them toward specific interventions.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Battery refers to the intentional and unlawful physical contact with another person without their consent. In this scenario, the nurse did not intend to harm the patient; the action was accidental. Therefore, battery would not apply here.
B. Malpractice is a type of negligence that occurs when a healthcare professional fails to provide the standard of care that a reasonably competent nurse would provide in similar circumstances. Administering the wrong medication is a breach of duty, and if this mistake leads to harm (like an allergic reaction), the nurse can be held liable for malpractice.
C. Abuse generally refers to intentional harm or mistreatment of a patient, often involving physical or emotional harm. Since the nurse's actions were accidental and not intended to cause harm, this would not constitute abuse.
D. Assault involves the threat or attempt to cause physical harm to another person, creating a fear of imminent harm. Since the nurse did not intend to threaten or harm the patient, and the incident was not a threat, this does not fit the definition of assault.
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