A nurse is assisting in preparing an in-service program about preventing medication errors when transcribing a prescription.
The nurse is using a dosage example of four tenths of a milligram.
Which of the following transcription examples should the nurse use?
4.0 mg.
0.4 mg.
4 mg.
0.40 mg.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Transcribing the dosage as 4.0 mg is incorrect because it represents four whole milligrams, which is not equivalent to four tenths of a milligram. This would result in a tenfold overdose.
Choice B rationale:
Transcribing the dosage as 0.4 mg is the correct answer. It accurately represents four tenths of a milligram. The leading zero is used to avoid misinterpretation and ensure the decimal point is not overlooked.
Choice C rationale:
Transcribing the dosage as 4 mg is incorrect because it represents four whole milligrams, which is significantly higher than the intended dose of four tenths of a milligram. This would result in a tenfold overdose.
Choice D rationale:
Transcribing the dosage as 0.40 mg is not necessary because it does not provide any additional information compared to 0.4 mg. The extra zero does not add clarity and can potentially lead to errors in medication administration if overlooked.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
No explanation
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
he correct answer is:
A. Clarify the dosage of the morphine.
Explanation:
The prescription indicates that the client should receive 1 to 2 mg of morphine subcutaneously every 4 hours as needed for pain. This means that the nurse can administer 1 mg or 2 mg of morphine, but the exact dose should be determined based on the client's pain level and response to the medication. The nurse should clarify with the prescriber to determine the specific dosage range that is appropriate for the client.
The other options are incorrect:
- B. Administer up to 2 mg of morphine in 4 hr: The prescription states that the client can receive up to 2 mg in 4 hours, but the nurse should not administer the maximum dose without first assessing the client's pain level and determining the appropriate dose based on their individual needs.
- C. Clarify the route of the morphine: The prescription clearly states that the morphine should be administered subcutaneously, so there is no need to clarify the route.
- D. Administer 2 mg of morphine every 2 hr: The prescription states that the morphine should be administered every 4 hours, not every 2 hours. Administering the medication more frequently than prescribed could lead to overdose or other adverse effects.
It is important for nurses to carefully review all prescriptions and clarify any uncertainties with the prescriber to ensure that medications are administered correctly and safely.
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