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

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A: Administering the medication and monitoring the patient frequently is not appropriate because phenytoin is not indicated for pain management.

B: Refusing to give the medication and notifying the nurse supervisor is a step in the right direction, but the nurse should also seek clarification from the health care provider.

C: Giving the patient hydromorphone without clarification is not appropriate. The nurse must verify the order with the health care provider.

D: Calling the health care provider to clarify the order is the correct action. This ensures that the correct medication is administered as intended.

A. Expect some swelling in the hands and feet. B. Take the medication at bedtime. C. Eat foods that contain plenty of potassium. D. Take aspirin if headaches develop.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A: Expecting some swelling in the hands and feet is incorrect. Furosemide is a diuretic used to reduce fluid buildup, so swelling should decrease, not increase.
B: Taking the medication at bedtime is not recommended because furosemide increases urine output, which can disrupt sleep. It is better to take it in the morning.
C: Eating foods that contain plenty of potassium is important because furosemide can cause potassium loss. Consuming potassium-rich foods helps maintain electrolyte balance and prevent hypokalemia.
D: Taking aspirin if headaches develop is not related to the use of furosemide. The nurse should address headache management separately and ensure the client understands the specific instructions for furosemide use.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

An order is written for phenytoin 500 mg IM q3-4h prn for pain. The nurse recognizes that treatment of pain is not a standard therapeutic indication for this drug. The nurse believes that the health care provider meant to write hydromorphone. What should the nurse do?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is providing discharge teaching for a client who has pulmonary edema and is about to start taking furosemide. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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