Which type of error is it when the wrong type of medication is administered to the patient?

Choice A reason: This is a correct choice because switching the patient’s injected pain medication to oral tablets before discharge is an example of an independent nursing intervention. An independent nursing intervention is an action that the nurse can perform based on their own knowledge, skills, and judgment without a physician's order. The nurse can decide when to switch the route of administration of the pain medication based on the patient's condition, preference, and readiness for discharge.

Choice B reason: This is a correct choice because elevating the head of the patient’s bed to facilitate use of the incentive spirometer is an example of an independent nursing intervention. An independent nursing intervention is an action that the nurse can perform based on their own knowledge, skills, and judgment without a physician's order. The nurse can adjust the position of the patient's bed to promote lung expansion and prevent atelectasis, which are common postoperative complications.

Choice C reason: This is an incorrect choice because administering intravenous fluids when the patient is unable to eat or drink is an example of a dependent nursing intervention. A dependent nursing intervention is an action that the nurse can perform only with a physician's order. The nurse cannot give any intravenous fluids to the patient without a prescription.

Choice D reason: This is a correct choice because advancing a patient’s diet from clear liquids to solid foods after surgery is an example of an independent nursing intervention. An independent nursing intervention is an action that the nurse can perform based on their own knowledge, skills, and judgment without a physician's order. The nurse can progress the patient's diet based on the patient's tolerance, appetite, and bowel function.

Choice E reason: This is a correct choice because teaching patients with heart failure how to do accurate daily weights is an example of an independent nursing intervention. An independent nursing intervention is an action that the nurse can perform based on their own knowledge, skills, and judgment without a physician's order. The nurse can educate the patient about the importance of monitoring their weight and fluid status and document the teaching.

Choice A reason: This is the correct choice because the nurse checks if the hospital policy allows the licensed practical nurse to perform venipuncture before delegating the task is an action that demonstrates the concept of right supervision. Right supervision is one of the five rights of delegation, which are the principles that guide the nurse to delegate tasks safely and effectively. Right supervision means that the nurse provides appropriate guidance and monitoring of the delegated task and evaluates the outcomes³. By checking the hospital policy, the nurse ensures that the task is within the scope of practice and competency of the licensed practical nurse and that the delegation is consistent with the standards of care.

Choice B reason: This is an incorrect choice because the nurse confirms that the patient’s urine output is entered into the medical record by the nursing assistant by the end of the shift is not an action that demonstrates the concept of right supervision. Right supervision is one of the five rights of delegation, which are the principles that guide the nurse to delegate tasks safely and effectively. Right supervision means that the nurse provides appropriate guidance and monitoring of the delegated task and evaluates the outcomes³. By confirming the documentation, the nurse is performing a quality check, but not providing supervision of the delegated task.

Choice C reason: This is an incorrect choice because the nurse ensures that the scale is accurate before directing the nursing assistant to obtain the patient’s weight is not an action that demonstrates the concept of right supervision. Right supervision is one of the five rights of delegation, which are the principles that guide the nurse to delegate tasks safely and effectively. Right supervision means that the nurse provides appropriate guidance and monitoring of the delegated task and evaluates the outcomes³. By ensuring the accuracy of the scale, the nurse is preparing the equipment, but not providing supervision of the delegated task.

Choice D reason: This is an incorrect choice because the nurse directs the nursing assistant to ambulate the patient at least 20 feet in the hallway using the gait belt before lunch is not an action that demonstrates the concept of right supervision. Right supervision is one of the five rights of delegation, which are the principles that guide the nurse to delegate tasks safely and effectively. Right supervision means that the nurse provides appropriate guidance and monitoring of the delegated task and evaluates the outcomes³. By directing the nursing assistant, the nurse is assigning the task, but not providing supervision of the delegated task.