A nurse is reviewing a client's medication list during a home visit. The nurse notices that some of the medications have expired dates or are no longer prescribed for the client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Dispose of the expired or unused medications in a trash can

Return the expired or unused medications to a pharmacy or a drug take-back program

Advise the client to keep the expired or unused medications for future use

Flush the expired or unused medications down a toilet or a sink

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

This is the safest and most environmentally friendly way to dispose of expired or unused medications. It prevents accidental ingestion, misuse, abuse, or diversion of medications by others. It also reduces the risk of contamination of water sources or soil by pharmaceuticals.

Incorrect choices:

a) Dispose of the expired or unused medications in a trash can: This is not a safe way to dispose of expired or unused medications. It can expose others, such as children, pets, or scavengers, to potentially harmful substances. It can also allow medications to leach into landfills or groundwater.

c) Advise the client to keep the expired or unused medications for future use: This is not a safe way to manage expired or unused medications. It can lead to medication errors, such as taking the wrong medication, the wrong dose, or an ineffective or harmful medication. It can also encourage self medication or sharing of medications with others without medical supervision.

d) Flush the expired or unused medications down a toilet or a sink: This is not an environmentally friendly way to dispose of expired or unused medications. It can contaminate water sources or aquatic life with pharmaceuticals. It can also damage plumbing or sewage systems.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The first step in a root cause analysis is to collect data and facts about what happened, when, where, how, and why. This includes interviewing the staff involved, reviewing medical records, policies, procedures, and protocols, and examining equipment and environmental factors. Gathering information and evidence helps to establish a timeline and a causal chain of events that led to the error.

Incorrect choices:

a) Identify all the factors that contributed to the error: This is a later step in a root cause analysis, after gathering information and evidence. Identifying contributing factors helps to determine the underlying causes and system failures that allowed the error to occur.

b) Implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence of the error: This is another later step in a root cause analysis, after identifying contributing factors. Implementing corrective actions involves developing and testing solutions that address the root causes and improve patient safety.

c) Communicate the findings and recommendations to the staff and stakeholders: This is the final step in a root cause analysis, after implementing corrective actions. Communicating the findings and recommendations involves sharing lessons learned, best practices, and feedback with those who are affected by or involved in preventing similar errors.

A. Administer the medication as prescribed and document the discrepancy B. Check the medication label and the prescription order again C. Contact the pharmacist and verify the medication D. Return the medication to the pharmacy and obtain the correct one

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

This is the safest action to take when there is a discrepancy between the barcode and the label of a medication. It prevents administering the wrong medication to a client, which could cause harm or adverse effects. It also alerts the pharmacy of a possible error in dispensing or labelling the medication.

Incorrect choices:

a) Administer the medication as prescribed and document the discrepancy: This is not a safe action to take when there is a discrepancy between the barcode and the label of a medication. It could result in administering the wrong medication to a client, which could cause harm or adverse effects. It also does not address the source of the error or prevent its recurrence.

b) Check the medication label and the prescription order again: This is not a sufficient action to take when there is a discrepancy between the barcode and the label of a medication. It could lead to confirmation bias, where the nurse overlooks or ignores the discrepancy and assumes that the medication is correct. It also does not address the source of the error or prevent its recurrence.

c) Contact the pharmacist and verify the medication: This is not an appropriate action to take when there is a discrepancy between the barcode and the label of a medication. It could delay the administration of the medication or create confusion about which medication is correct. It also does not address the source of the error or prevent its recurrence.

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A nurse is reviewing a client's medication list during a home visit. The nurse notices that some of the medications have expired dates or are no longer prescribed for the client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is conducting a root cause analysis of a medication error that occurred in their unit. Which of the following steps should the nurse take first?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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