A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is performing medication reconciliation for a newly admitted client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Compare the client's list of home medications to the admission prescriptions written for the client.
Compare a list of common medications to treat a condition to the actual prescriptions.
Compare the medication label to the provider's prescription on three occasions before administration.
Compare the prescription to the allergy history of the client.
The Correct Answer is A
Rationale:
A. Medication reconciliation involves reviewing all medications the client was taking at home and comparing them with the prescriptions ordered on admission. This process helps identify discrepancies, prevent omissions, duplications, or potential interactions, and ensures continuity of care.
B. Comparing a standard list of medications for a condition is not part of medication reconciliation because it may not reflect the individual client’s needs, allergies, or previous therapy. The focus should be on the client’s actual home medications.
C. This step refers to the “three checks” of medication administration, which is different from the initial reconciliation process. Reconciliation focuses on matching home medications with admission orders, not verifying labels prior to each dose.
D. While checking for allergies is a critical safety step, it is only one component of safe medication administration. Medication reconciliation is broader, ensuring that all home medications are considered and that any changes or omissions are intentional and documented.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Obtaining the initial assessment of assigned clients: The initial assessment requires nursing judgment and clinical decision-making, which are within the scope of practice of a registered nurse only. It involves data interpretation and establishing a baseline for care, tasks that cannot be delegated to assistive personnel.
B. Educating a client and family members on home care: Client and family teaching requires specialized nursing knowledge to ensure understanding and accuracy. This task involves evaluating learning needs and reinforcing critical information, responsibilities that cannot be legally delegated to assistive personnel.
C. Changing a nonsterile dressing: Assistive personnel can safely perform nonsterile procedures such as changing a clean dressing under the supervision of a nurse. This task involves routine care that does not require nursing judgment, making it appropriate for delegation.
D. Interpreting a client's diagnostic laboratory results: Interpretation of laboratory data involves analysis, clinical reasoning, and the ability to make informed nursing decisions. These actions fall strictly within the nurse’s professional scope of practice and cannot be delegated to assistive personnel.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Obtain a prescription to refer the client to physical therapy: A referral to physical therapy is appropriate because therapists can design individualized exercises to improve balance, coordination, and strength. This intervention promotes safe mobility, enhances independence, and reduces fall risk for clients with post-stroke weakness.
B. Instruct the client to wear sandals when ambulating: Sandals do not provide adequate foot support or traction and increase the risk of tripping or falling. Clients with right-sided weakness should wear well-fitting, non-skid shoes to ensure safety and stability during ambulation.
C. Encourage the client to dim the lights in hallways: Poor lighting impairs visibility and increases the risk of falls, especially for clients with weakness or gait instability. Adequate illumination in hallways and pathways is essential for safety during ambulation.
D. Instruct the client to place throw rugs on bathroom floors: Throw rugs are a major fall hazard due to their tendency to slip or bunch up. The nurse should advise removing rugs or securing them with non-slip backing to create a safe, stable walking environment.
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