A nurse has prepared the 0900 dose of medication and is called to another patient's room for a cardiac arrest.
Who may administer the medication?
The charge nurse.
Only the nurse who prepared them.
Any RN or LPN on the unit who is familiar with the patient and their condition.
The pharmacy technician.
Correct Answer : A,C
Choice A rationale
The charge nurse, by virtue of their leadership role and oversight of unit operations, is typically authorized to ensure patient safety and continuity of care. This includes re-verifying and administering medications in urgent situations when the preparing nurse is unavailable, adhering to established protocols and double-checking the medication before administration to prevent errors.
Choice B rationale
Limiting medication administration solely to the preparing nurse could delay critical treatment, especially during emergencies. While optimal, this practice is superseded by the need for timely patient care and adherence to a "second nurse check" policy, which enhances safety by having an additional qualified professional verify the medication.
Choice C rationale
Any licensed Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) on the unit, if familiar with the patient and their condition, possesses the scope of practice and clinical competency to administer medications. This ensures patient safety through appropriate verification, patient identification, and adherence to the "rights" of medication administration, maintaining continuity of care.
Choice D rationale
Pharmacy technicians are not licensed healthcare professionals authorized to administer medications directly to patients. Their scope of practice is limited to preparing, packaging, and distributing medications under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist, lacking the clinical assessment and administration privileges of nursing staff.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Joint stiffness after sitting for a long period of time, often referred to as "gelling," is a common symptom associated with inflammatory joint conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. While it can be a source of discomfort and reduced mobility, it typically does not indicate an immediate life-threatening situation. The body's synovial fluid thins with inactivity, leading to increased friction and stiffness upon movement.
Choice B rationale
Nausea with a small amount of vomitus suggests gastrointestinal upset. While it can cause discomfort and lead to dehydration if persistent, it is generally not an acute emergency unless accompanied by severe abdominal pain, signs of dehydration, or other systemic symptoms. The body's chemoreceptor trigger zone can be activated by various stimuli, leading to the sensation of nausea and subsequent emesis.
Choice C rationale
A rash that developed after a second dose of antibiotics could indicate an allergic reaction, which ranges from mild to severe. While allergic reactions require assessment and intervention, they are not immediately life-threatening unless accompanied by signs of anaphylaxis such as angioedema or respiratory distress. This hypersensitivity reaction involves the immune system's response to the drug as an antigen.
Choice D rationale
Shortness of breath with audible wheezing indicates respiratory distress, which is a critical and potentially life-threatening condition. Wheezing suggests airway narrowing, which impedes oxygen-carbon dioxide exchange. Immediate assessment and intervention are required to prevent respiratory arrest and ensure adequate oxygenation to vital organs. This physiological response reflects bronchoconstriction and inflammation, severely compromising ventilation.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Administering medication without verifying the order, especially when the patient expresses concern about a change in appearance, is a breach of medication safety principles. The patient's concern highlights a potential discrepancy, and simply explaining a possible change without confirmation is unprofessional and dangerous.
Choice B rationale
This action is incorrect and dangerous. The patient stated she always takes a yellow pill, but the nurse is preparing to administer a blue tablet. Telling her the action of a "red tablet" is confusing, indicates a potential misunderstanding of the medication, and demonstrates a failure to address the patient's valid concern about the color discrepancy.
Choice C rationale
When a patient questions a medication, especially regarding its appearance, it is imperative to withhold the drug and recheck the medication administration record (MAR) against the physician's original order. This verifies that the correct medication, dose, and form are being administered, preventing potential medication errors and ensuring patient safety.
Choice D rationale
Administering the medication and making a mental note to check later is unsafe practice. A patient's concern about medication is a critical alert. Ignoring it and administering the drug first could lead to serious adverse effects if a medication error has occurred. Verification must precede administration.
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