The nurse realizes that a medication error may have occurred. The nurse's first responsibility is to:
document the error.
call the physician.
notify the supervisor.
assess the client.
The Correct Answer is D
D. Assessing the client is the nurse's first responsibility when a medication error is suspected. The nurse should promptly assess the client's condition to determine if any harm has occurred as a result of the error. This assessment includes vital signs, physical assessment, and evaluation of any signs or symptoms related to the medication error.
A. Documenting the medication error is important for accurate record-keeping and subsequent investigation. However, it should not be the nurse's first action. The priority should be to assess and address any potential harm to the client.
B. Calling the physician may be necessary depending on the severity of the error and the client's condition. However, it is not the first responsibility of the nurse in response to a suspected medication error. The nurse's primary concern should be the immediate assessment and management of the client's condition.
C. Notifying the supervisor or charge nurse is an important step to report the incident and seek guidance on next steps. Supervisors can assist in managing the situation, implementing corrective measures, and ensuring appropriate documentation and reporting procedures are followed. This is typically one of the first actions after ensuring the client's safety.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
D. Assessing the client is the nurse's first responsibility when a medication error is suspected. The nurse should promptly assess the client's condition to determine if any harm has occurred as a result of the error. This assessment includes vital signs, physical assessment, and evaluation of any signs or symptoms related to the medication error.
A. Documenting the medication error is important for accurate record-keeping and subsequent investigation. However, it should not be the nurse's first action. The priority should be to assess and address any potential harm to the client.
B. Calling the physician may be necessary depending on the severity of the error and the client's condition. However, it is not the first responsibility of the nurse in response to a suspected medication error. The nurse's primary concern should be the immediate assessment and management of the client's condition.
C. Notifying the supervisor or charge nurse is an important step to report the incident and seek guidance on next steps. Supervisors can assist in managing the situation, implementing corrective measures, and ensuring appropriate documentation and reporting procedures are followed. This is typically one of the first actions after ensuring the client's safety.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
D. Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by an increased pH (alkalosis) and an increased HCO3. In this case, the pH is elevated (7.5), indicating alkalosis, which supports metabolic alkalosis. The HCO3 is elevated at 40 mEq/L, which further supports metabolic alkalosis. The PaCO2 is normal or slightly low (36 mmHg), which can occur as a compensatory response to metabolic alkalosis.

A. Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by an increase in pH (alkalosis) and a decrease in PaCO2 (hypocapnia). In this scenario, the pH is elevated (7.5), which indicates alkalosis. The PaCO2 is 36 mmHg, which is within the normal range (35-45 mmHg) but slightly on the lower side (slight hypocapnia). The HCO3 is elevated at 40 mEq/L, which suggests a compensatory response by the kidneys to retain bicarbonate to counteract the alkalosis.
B. Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a decrease in pH (acidosis) and an increase in PaCO2 (hypercapnia). In this case, the pH is elevated (7.5), indicating alkalosis, which contradicts respiratory acidosis. The PaCO2 is 36 mmHg, which is normal or slightly low, not high as expected in respiratory acidosis. The elevated HCO3 (40 mEq/L) suggests a compensatory metabolic response to the alkalosis, not to acidosis.
C. Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a decreased pH (acidosis) and a decreased HCO3. In this scenario, the pH is elevated (7.5), indicating alkalosis, which contradicts metabolic acidosis. The HCO3 is elevated at 40 mEq/L, indicating metabolic alkalosis rather than metabolic acidosis.
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