A nurse finds an open vial of morphine lying on top of the cabinet in a client's room. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Independently dispose of the remaining medication.
Return the medication to the unit's stock for future use.
Administer the medication to other clients to avoid waste.
Report the discrepancy immediately.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Independently disposing of the remaining medication may not be in compliance with facility policies and could potentially interfere with an investigation into how the medication was left unattended.
B. Returning the medication to the unit's stock for future use is not appropriate, as the vial is already open and its integrity may be compromised.
C. Administering the medication to other clients is absolutely not an option. This could lead to serious harm or even fatal consequences for the other clients involved.
D. When a nurse discovers an open vial of medication left unattended, it is a serious safety concern. The nurse should report the discrepancy immediately to the appropriate personnel or supervisor. This ensures that the situation is addressed promptly and that necessary actions are taken to prevent potential harm to clients.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Observing the client's respiratory status is the priority action because a decreased level of consciousness can potentially lead to compromised airway and respiratory function. It's crucial to monitor for signs of respiratory distress or compromise, such as changes in respiratory rate, depth, and effort.
B. Monitoring intake and output every 8 hr is an important nursing responsibility, but it is not the top priority when the client's respiratory status is in question.
C. Elevating the head of the client's bed 30° to 45° is a standard practice to prevent aspiration and promote optimal digestion during enteral feedings. While important, it is not the immediate priority in this situation.
D. Checking residual volume every 4 to 6 hr is a part of enteral feeding management, but it is not the priority when the client's respiratory status is a concern.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. During the Assessment phase, the nurse gathers information about the client's health status, including any potential allergies. This information is crucial for planning safe and effective care.
B. The Planning phase involves developing a care plan based on the assessment data.
While allergies are an important consideration in planning care, they are first identified during the assessment phase.
C. The Implementation phase involves carrying out the care plan. While it is important to be aware of allergies during this phase to ensure the safe administration of treatments, the initial identification of allergies occurs in the assessment phase.
D. The Evaluation phase involves assessing the client's response to interventions and determining if goals have been met. While allergies are relevant in evaluating the client's response to certain treatments, they are initially identified during the assessment phase.
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