After administering a medication to a client, the nurse realizes that the client was given another client's drug. What must the nurse do next?
Document the error on the client's medical record and notify the supervisor.
Check the client's MAR for drug allergies, and if there is no indicated allergy to the drug administered in error, no further action is necessary.
Call the health care provider immediately and complete an incident report.
Administer the original drug and observe the client frequently for adverse reactions to the first drug.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: While documentation and supervisor notification are crucial, immediate action involving the health care provider ensures timely response to potential adverse effects from the medication error.
Choice B reason: Relying solely on the absence of drug allergies is insufficient and may jeopardize patient safety. Errors require immediate communication and reporting for appropriate interventions.
Choice C reason: Timely provider notification prioritizes patient safety and enables corrective measures. Completing an incident report supports institutional transparency and learning to prevent future errors.
Choice D reason: Administering additional drugs risks compounding harm. The priority is addressing the initial error and ensuring patient safety without introducing further interventions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Recording at shift’s end risks memory errors or omissions; delayed documentation compromises accuracy and legal accountability for controlled substances and patient care.
Choice B reason: Pharmacy technicians don’t administer drugs; nurses document their own actions, ensuring responsibility and precision in the medication administration record.
Choice C reason: Immediate recording post-administration ensures accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with standards; it reflects real-time events, reducing errors in patient care documentation.
Choice D reason: Recording others’ actions is inaccurate and unethical; nurses must document only their administrations, maintaining individual accountability and patient safety.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Waiting delays care; illegible orders risk errors, and timely clarification ensures the patient receives accurate treatment without unnecessary postponement.
Choice B reason: Direct prescriber contact resolves ambiguity; it ensures the order’s intent, aligning with safety protocols to prevent misinterpretation or harm.
Choice C reason: Colleagues may guess incorrectly; peer opinion lacks authority, risking errors in dosage or drug, compromising patient safety over prescriber intent.
Choice D reason: Patient recall is unreliable; home meds may differ from admission orders, and this doesn’t clarify the prescriber’s handwritten instruction accurately.
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