A nurse is working in a pediatric special care unit. She recently transferred to this unit from an adult intensive care unit. The nurse is very cautious in administering medications because children are especially vulnerable to medication errors. Why is this true?

A. Method is not one of the recognized 10 rights of safe medication administration. It is important to follow the correct method, but it is encompassed by the rights such as the right route and right time.
B. Unit is not part of the 10 rights of safe medication administration. Accurate dosage units are critical but are covered under the right dose and right medication.
C. The right medication ensures that the patient receives the correct drug, reducing the risk of adverse effects and therapeutic failures. Verifying the right medication is fundamental to safe medication administration practices.
D. The right evaluation involves monitoring the patient’s response to the medication to ensure it is effective and safe. This step helps in identifying any adverse reactions or the need for dosage adjustments.
E. The right assessment involves evaluating the patient’s condition before administering medication to determine if it is appropriate. It ensures that the medication is given safely, considering the patient’s current health status.
F. The right to client education involves informing the patient about the medication they are receiving, including its purpose, potential side effects, and any special instructions. Educating the patient promotes adherence and helps in the early identification of adverse effects.

A. While itching and hives can be signs of a mild allergic reaction, difficulty breathing and low blood pressure indicate a more severe issue. Treating a severe reaction as mild can delay necessary emergency interventions, potentially leading to life-threatening consequences.
B. The symptoms described, including difficulty breathing and hypotension, suggest a severe, not moderate, allergic reaction. This misjudgment can result in insufficient treatment and delay life-saving measures.
C. Anaphylactic reactions are characterized by symptoms such as hives, difficulty breathing, and low blood pressure, requiring immediate emergency treatment. Prompt recognition and intervention are critical to prevent severe complications or death.
D. Food poisoning typically presents with gastrointestinal symptoms rather than respiratory distress and hypotension. Misdiagnosing an anaphylactic reaction as food poisoning can prevent timely administration of appropriate treatments like epinephrine.