A nurse is preparing to administer packed RBCs to a client who has a low hemoglobin level. Which of the following actions should the nurse take prior to the start of the infusion?

Correct responses:

A. When preparing the medication dosage: Comparing the medication administration record with the medication label during preparation helps ensure the correct medication and dosage are being used.

B. Directly before administering the medication: This final check ensures that the medication being given matches the prescription and the right patient, minimizing the risk of errors.

D. When removing the medication from the medication drawer: This initial check ensures that the medication being retrieved is the correct one as per the medication administration record.

The other options are not directly related to verifying the medication administration record against the medication label:

C. When reconciling counts of controlled substances: This is important for ensuring accurate inventory but is not related to verifying medication administration.

E. At the end of the shift: This is not a time for verifying medication records and labels; it’s more related to end-of-shift documentation and handoff.

A. Direct a fire extinguisher at the fire:

While using a fire extinguisher is an essential action in controlling a small fire, it should come after the fire alarm has been activated. Alerting others to the fire and initiating the emergency response system take precedence to ensure a coordinated and safe response.

B. Place wet towels along the base of the door:

Placing wet towels along the base of the door is a method to help prevent smoke from entering the room. However, in this situation, after ensuring the client's safety, the nurse should focus on activating the facility's fire alarm to alert others and initiate the emergency response.

C. Turn off any electrical equipment:

While turning off electrical equipment is a generally sound practice in fire safety, it is not the immediate next action after moving the client to safety. Activating the fire alarm takes precedence as it initiates a coordinated response and alerts others to the emergency.

D. Activate the facility's fire alarm:

This is the correct action. Activating the fire alarm is a critical step in alerting the entire facility to the presence of a fire. It ensures that emergency response teams are notified promptly, and appropriate measures can be taken to address the fire, including evacuating other occupants and summoning professional firefighting assistance.