The physician has ordered a medication for a patient that is twice the normal dosage of the medication.
If the nurse harms a patient by administering the medication, as ordered by the physician, which is true?

The nurse is not responsible since the nurse was following the doctor's orders.

Only the nurse was responsible since the nurse administered the medication.

Both the nurse and the physician are responsible for the error.

Only the physician is responsible since he or she ordered the drug.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A rationale:

The nurse is not responsible since the nurse was following the doctor's orders. Rationale: While it is essential for nurses to follow physician orders, they also have a responsibility to assess the appropriateness and safety of those orders. If the nurse administers a medication that is clearly harmful or beyond the normal dosage, they have a duty to question the order and seek clarification from the physician. Administering a medication that is twice the normal dosage without questioning the order would be a breach of the nurse's responsibility.

Choice B rationale:

Only the nurse was responsible since the nurse administered the medication. Rationale: While the nurse did administer the medication, the ultimate responsibility lies with both the nurse and the physician. The nurse should have questioned the order if it appeared to be incorrect or unsafe. Nurses are advocates for their patients and have a duty to ensure the safety and well-being of those under their care.

Choice C rationale:

Both the nurse and the physician are responsible for the error. Rationale: This is the correct choice. Both the nurse and the physician share responsibility for the error. The nurse should have questioned the order, and the physician should have prescribed the correct dosage. Patient safety is a collaborative effort, and both healthcare providers are accountable for ensuring that the patient receives appropriate and safe care.

Choice D rationale:

Only the physician is responsible since he or she ordered the drug. Rationale: While the physician did order the drug, the nurse also has a responsibility to assess the order and question it if necessary. Nurses are trained to use their clinical judgment and critical thinking skills to ensure the safety of their patients. If the nurse administers a medication without questioning a clearly incorrect dosage, they share responsibility for the error.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice C rationale:

When a patient has been bedridden for an extended period, such as two weeks, the nurse expects to find atrophy of leg muscles due to immobility. Lack of physical activity leads to muscle wasting, which can result in decreased muscle mass and strength. This condition is reversible with proper rehabilitation and exercise.

Choice A rationale:

Decreased respiratory rate due to stronger lungs is not a typical effect of immobility. Immobility can lead to decreased lung expansion and increased risk of respiratory complications, such as pneumonia.

Choice B rationale:

Increased urinary output due to enhanced bladder muscle tone is not a direct effect of immobility. Immobility can affect urinary elimination, but it is more likely to cause urinary retention due to decreased mobility and inability to reach the bathroom independently.

Choice D rationale:

Frequent bowel movements due to increased peristalsis are not expected with immobility. Immobility often leads to slowed peristalsis, which can result in constipation rather than frequent bowel movements.

A. Restrain the patient with a chemical sedative. B. Encourage the patient to use grab bars located near toilets and showers. C. Place the call light within the patient's reach. D. Conduct rounds every four hours. E. Apply brakes on wheelchairs and bed.

Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Restrain the patient with a chemical sedative. Rationale: Restraints, especially chemical sedatives, should be avoided whenever possible due to the risk of complications and patient distress. Restraints can lead to decreased mobility, increased agitation, and other adverse effects. They should only be used as a last resort and with appropriate justification, such as ensuring patient or staff safety in emergency situations.

Choice B rationale:

Encourage the patient to use grab bars located near toilets and showers. Rationale: Installing grab bars in bathrooms helps prevent falls by providing support and stability for patients, especially those with mobility issues. Encouraging their use promotes patient independence and safety while performing essential activities of daily living.

Choice C rationale:

Place the call light within the patient's reach. Rationale: Placing the call light within the patient's reach ensures that the patient can easily summon assistance when needed. Prompt response to patient requests can prevent accidents and falls by addressing the patient's needs in a timely manner.

Choice D rationale:

Conduct rounds every four hours. Rationale: Conducting regular rounds allows healthcare providers to assess the patient's condition, address their needs, and identify potential fall risks. However, the specific frequency of rounds may vary based on the patient's condition and the healthcare facility's policies. Some patients may require more frequent monitoring, especially if they are at a higher risk of falling.

Choice E rationale:

Apply brakes on wheelchairs and beds. Rationale: Applying brakes on wheelchairs and beds prevents unintended movement, enhancing patient safety and reducing the risk of falls. It ensures that the patient's mobility aids remain stationary, providing stability when the patient is transferring or repositioning.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

The physician has ordered a medication for a patient that is twice the normal dosage of the medication.If the nurse harms a patient by administering the medication, as ordered by the physician, which is true?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A patient with Covid has been bedridden for the last 2 weeks.What effects does the nurse expect to find in a patient who has had minimal activity and mobility for 2 weeks?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

What interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care for a patient on fall precautions? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]

Explanation

The nurse is caring for several patients on a medical unit.Which patient does the nurse identify as being most at risk for falling?

The nurse is reviewing research articles about 'sentinel events' in health care.Which is an example of a 'sentinel event?".

The nursing staff are caring for a confused patient who is at risk for falling.What action by the nurse would be appropriate in order to avoid restraining the patient?

The nurse is planning to obtain the pulse oximeter reading of a patient.What action by the nurse is correct?

The newly admitted patient has contractures of both lower extremities.What nursing intervention should be included in this patient's plan of care?

The director of nursing reprimands the nursing staff for which violations of HIPAA policy? Select all that apply.

A nurse is caring for a terminally ill patient during the 2300 to 0700 shift.The patient says, "I just can't go to sleep.I keep thinking about what my family will do when I am gone.”. What response by the nurse would be most appropriate?

The nurse performs range of motion by moving the patient's leg toward the midline of the patient's body.This movement would be documented as what of the hip?

The physician has ordered a medication for a patient that is twice the normal dosage of the medication.
If the nurse harms a patient by administering the medication, as ordered by the physician, which is true?