A nurse realizes they made an incorrect entry in a patient’s medication administration record. What is the appropriate action for the nurse to take?

Choice A rationale
Ignoring the error, even if it does not affect patient care, is incorrect. Ignoring errors can lead to a culture of complacency and potentially more significant errors in the future. It is essential to address all errors to maintain accurate records and ensure patient safety.
Choice B rationale
Drawing a single line through the error, initialing, and dating it is the correct action. This method maintains the integrity of the medical record while clearly indicating that an error was made and corrected. It ensures transparency and accountability in documentation.
Choice C rationale
Leaving the error as is and informing the nurse manager is not the best practice. While informing the nurse manager is important, the error should be corrected in the medical record to prevent any potential confusion or miscommunication.
Choice D rationale
Erasing the incorrect entry and writing the correct one is incorrect. Erasing or obliterating entries in a medical record is not allowed as it can be seen as tampering with the record. It is crucial to maintain the original entry and make corrections transparently.

Choice A rationale
A 30-year-old male patient with an active GI bleed requiring multiple blood transfusions is not suitable for assignment to an LPN. This patient is unstable and requires close monitoring and frequent assessments, which are beyond the LPN’s scope of practice. The RN should manage this patient to ensure proper care and timely interventions.
Choice B rationale
A 55-year-old male patient who is post-surgery and ready for discharge, requiring discharge instructions, is also not suitable for assignment to an LPN. Discharge instructions involve comprehensive education and assessment of the patient’s understanding, which are responsibilities of the RN. The RN must ensure the patient comprehends the instructions and can safely manage their care at home.
Choice C rationale
A 40-year-old diabetic patient requiring re-teaching on insulin administration is the best choice for assignment to an LPN. This patient is stable and the task of re-teaching insulin administration falls within the LPN’s scope of practice. The LPN can effectively provide education and ensure the patient understands how to administer insulin correctly.
Choice D rationale
A newly admitted patient is not suitable for assignment to an LPN. New admissions require comprehensive assessments and care planning, which are responsibilities of the RN. The RN must evaluate the patient’s condition, develop a care plan, and initiate appropriate interventions.