A patient is receiving a new medication. What should the nurse do?

Choice A rationale
Using a standardized pediatric medication reference guide is not appropriate for administering insulin to a diabetic client. Insulin dosages are typically based on the client’s blood glucose levels and individual needs, not standardized pediatric references. Ensuring patient safety requires accurate and individualized dosage calculations.
Choice B rationale
Relying on memory for dosage calculations is not a safe practice. Human memory is fallible, and errors in dosage calculations can have serious consequences for the client. It is essential to use reliable methods and double-check calculations to ensure accuracy and patient safety.
Choice C rationale
Asking another nurse to double-check calculations is the most appropriate action for ensuring patient safety. This practice helps to catch any potential errors and ensures that the correct dosage is administered. Double-checking calculations is a standard safety measure in medication administration.
Choice D rationale
Performing dosage calculations manually is important, but it should be combined with double- checking by another nurse. Manual calculations alone do not provide an additional layer of verification to catch potential errors. Ensuring patient safety requires both accurate calculations and verification by another healthcare professional.

Choice A rationale
Placing all beds in the high position increases the risk of injury if a patient falls out of bed. It is generally recommended to keep beds in the lowest position to minimize the distance a patient would fall, thereby reducing the risk of injury.

Choice B rationale
Using color-coded wristbands is an effective way to quickly communicate a patient’s fall risk status to all healthcare providers. This visual cue helps ensure that all staff members are aware of the patient’s fall risk and can take appropriate precautions.
Choice C rationale
Conducting frequent rounds of patient rooms allows healthcare providers to regularly check on patients, address their needs, and identify any potential fall hazards. This proactive approach helps in preventing falls by ensuring that patients are safe and their environment is free of obstacles.
Choice D rationale
Providing non-skid socks helps prevent slips and falls by giving patients better traction when walking. These socks are especially useful for patients who may be unsteady on their feet or are at a higher risk of falling.