The nurse is educating a patient with phlebitis of the left leg.

What alternative therapy should this patient avoid until the condition is resolved?.

Choice A rationale:

Including a note in the medical record that an incident report was completed is a crucial step in documenting the event. It serves as a legal and organizational record of the incident, providing transparency and accountability. This information can be essential for tracking trends, identifying areas for improvement, and ensuring patient safety.

Choice B rationale:

Identifying other people involved with the event in the incident report is also an important step. It helps in determining who was present or responsible during the incident, which can be crucial in investigating the event and identifying potential areas for process improvement.

Choice C rationale:

Including personal opinions regarding an event in an incident report is not advisable. Incident reports should focus on factual, objective information. Personal opinions can introduce bias and subjectivity, which may not be helpful in addressing the root causes of the incident or improving the quality of care.

Choice D rationale:

Identifying the person responsible for the error in the incident report is a valid step, as it helps in assigning accountability and addressing any systemic issues that may have contributed to the error. However, it's essential to do so without assigning blame or making judgments. The emphasis should be on improving processes and preventing similar incidents in the future.

The correct answer is: A

Choice A reason: Providing the nurse administering medications with an identifying vest can help reduce medication errors by making it easier for other staff and patients to identify the nurse responsible for medication administration. This can minimize interruptions and distractions, which are common causes of medication errors. It also serves as a visual reminder to the nurse of their critical role in medication safety.

Choice B reason: Removing medications from automatic dispensing systems before they are reviewed by pharmacists is not a recommended practice. Pharmacists play a crucial role in reviewing prescriptions for accuracy and potential drug interactions before dispensing. Therefore, medications should remain in the dispensing system until they have been properly reviewed and approved by a pharmacist.

Choice C reason: Waiting to document medications given to clients until the end of a shift is not advisable. Accurate and timely documentation is essential in healthcare, particularly when it comes to medication administration. Documentation should occur as soon as the medication is given to ensure that all healthcare providers have up-to-date information and to prevent errors such as omissions or duplications.

Choice D reason: Preparing medications for multiple clients at the same time increases the risk of errors, such as mix-ups between patients or incorrect dosing. It is best practice to prepare and administer medications for one client at a time, following the ‘five rights’ of medication administration: the right patient, the right drug, the right dose, the right route, and the right time.