A registered nurse interprets that a scribbled medication order reads 25 mg. The nurse administers 25 mg of the medication to a patient and then discovers that the dose was incorrectly interpreted and should have been 15 mg. Who is ultimately responsible for the error?
Nurse
Health care provider
Hospital
Pharmacist
The Correct Answer is A
A: The nurse is ultimately responsible for the error. Nurses are responsible for ensuring the correct administration of medications, which includes verifying the correct dosage. When a nurse administers medication, they must double-check the order, especially if it is unclear or illegible. In this case, the nurse misinterpreted the scribbled order and administered an incorrect dose, making them accountable for the error. Nurses are trained to seek clarification if there is any doubt about a medication order to prevent such mistakes.
B: The health care provider, while responsible for prescribing the medication, is not ultimately responsible for the administration error in this scenario. The provider’s role is to ensure that the prescription is clear and accurate. However, if the order is unclear, it is the nurse’s responsibility to seek clarification before administering the medication. The health care provider would be responsible if the error was due to a prescribing mistake, but in this case, the error occurred during the administration phase.
C: The hospital, as an institution, provides the environment and resources for patient care but is not directly responsible for individual medication administration errors. The hospital’s role includes ensuring that systems are in place for safe medication practices, such as proper training and protocols. However, the responsibility for the error lies with the individual who administered the medication incorrectly.
D: The pharmacist’s role is to dispense medications accurately and provide information about the medication. While pharmacists can catch potential errors in prescriptions, they are not responsible for the administration of the medication. In this case, the pharmacist would not be held accountable for the nurse’s misinterpretation and incorrect administration of the medication.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["4.0"]
Explanation
Step 1: Determine the dosage required. 320 mg
Step 2: Determine the concentration of the suspension. 400 mg per 5 mL
Step 3: Calculate the volume needed. 320 mg ÷ 400 mg per 5 mL = 320 ÷ 400 × 5 = 0.8 × 5 = 4 mL
The nurse should administer 4.0 mL per dose.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A: Having a small snack and taking a bath before bed can promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
B: Going to bed and getting up at the same time each day helps regulate the body’s internal clock and promotes better sleep.
C: Watching television until falling asleep can interfere with sleep quality. The light from screens can disrupt the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep.
D: Avoiding naps throughout the day can help maintain a consistent sleep schedule and improve nighttime sleep quality.
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