A nurse in an emergency department is caring for a client following a motor-vehicle crash.

The client’s Glasgow coma scale rating is 15.

Which of the following findings should the nurse expect

Choice A reason:

Completing an incident report is not the correct action. An incident report should be completed as part of the hospital's protocol to document the medication error and ensure appropriate follow-up and investigation.

Choice B reason:

Checking the client for indications of bleeding is the correct action to be taken. In this situation, the nurse's first priority should be to assess the client for indications of bleeding, as the client received a significantly higher dose of IV heparin than prescribed. Heparin is an anticoagulant medication used to prevent blood clots, and an overdose can increase the risk of bleeding.

After administering the wrong dose of medication, the nurse's immediate concern is the client's safety and well-being. Checking for signs of bleeding, such as petechiae, ecchymosis, hematomas, bleeding gums, melena (black, tarry stools), haematuria (blood in urine), or any other unusual bleeding, is crucial.

Choice C reason:

Monitor the client's aPTT levels: This is not the correct action to be taken. Monitoring the client's activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) levels is essential to assess the client's coagulation status and determine if the overdose of heparin has affected their clotting ability. The healthcare provider may adjust the heparin dosage based on the aPTT levels.

Choice D reason:

Notify the risk manager: This is not the correct action to be taken. The risk manager or appropriate supervisor should be informed about the medication error as soon as possible to initiate a thorough review of the incident and take necessary steps to prevent similar errors in the future.

The correct answer is choice B, C, and D. The nurse should give the client one simple direction at a time, reinforce orientation to time, place, and person, and establish eye contact when communicating with the client.

These interventions can help the client with dementia to understand and follow instructions, reduce confusion and anxiety, and enhance communication.

Choice A is wrong because allowing the client to choose among a variety of activities each day can overwhelm and frustrate the client with dementia.

The nurse should provide a structured and consistent daily routine for the client.

Choice E is wrong because refuting the client’s delusions using logic can increase the client’s agitation and distrust.

The nurse should use validation therapy to acknowledge the client’s feelings and emotions without arguing or correcting the client.