A nurse is preparing to administer a medication to a client for the first time. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to help ensure safe medication administration?
Read the medication label twice prior to administration.
Use one patient identifier prior to medication administration.
Access the online drug formulary for an unfamiliar medication.
Ask the client if they have ever taken a similar medication.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Read the medication label twice prior to administration.
This action is crucial to ensure that the nurse correctly identifies the medication and verifies the dosage before administering it to the patient. By double-checking the medication label, the nurse can confirm that they have the right medication, in the correct dose, for the correct patient, and via the correct route. This practice helps prevent medication errors and promotes patient safety.
B. Use one patient identifier prior to medication administration.
Explanation: Using at least one patient identifier, such as the patient's name or date of birth, is a standard safety practice to confirm the patient's identity before administering any medication. This helps ensure that the medication is given to the right patient, reducing the risk of administering medications to the wrong individual.
C. Access the online drug formulary for an unfamiliar medication.
Explanation: While it's essential to be knowledgeable about medications, relying solely on an online drug formulary for unfamiliar medications may not be sufficient for safe administration. Online resources can provide valuable information, but they should supplement, not replace, comprehensive education and understanding of medications. Nurses should have a solid understanding of the medications they administer and consult additional resources as needed.
D. Ask the client if they have ever taken a similar medication.
Explanation: While it's important to gather information from the patient about their medical history and previous experiences with medications, solely relying on the patient's response may not be sufficient for ensuring safe medication administration. Patients may not always accurately recall or provide complete information about their medication history. Nurses should verify medication orders through appropriate channels and rely on documented medical records whenever possible to confirm medication history and suitability for administration.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","F","G"]
Explanation
A. Antibiotic medication can be taken with or without food.
This statement is not specifically relevant to the discharge teaching for this client with pneumonia. However, the nurse should provide specific instructions regarding the administration of the antibiotic (cefazolin), which is typically administered intravenously in a healthcare setting and may not be taken orally at home.
B. The steroid dose will decrease each day.
Explanation: This information ensures that the client and caregiver are aware of the tapering regimen for the steroid medication (prednisone), which is essential to prevent adrenal insufficiency and other potential adverse effects associated with abrupt discontinuation.
C. Adjust the oxygen flow rate as needed to ease breathing.
Explanation: This information educates the client and caregiver on how to manage oxygen therapy effectively at home, ensuring optimal oxygen delivery and respiratory support.
D. Antibiotic therapy should be taken for 10 days.
The duration of antibiotic therapy for pneumonia depends on the specific antibiotic prescribed and the severity of the infection. The nurse should provide clear instructions based on the healthcare provider's prescription and guidelines.
E. Store the oxygen cylinder wrench with the oxygen tank.
While storing the oxygen cylinder wrench with the oxygen tank is a good practice, it is not directly related to discharge teaching for this client with pneumonia.
F. Steroid medication should be taken in the morning.
Explanation: Taking steroid medication (prednisone) in the morning helps minimize disruption of the body's natural cortisol rhythm and reduces the risk of insomnia associated with steroid use.
G. Ensure the oxygen delivery system is at least 8 feet from any heat source.
Explanation: Proper storage and placement of the oxygen delivery system reduce the risk of fire hazards associated with oxygen therapy, promoting safety within the home environment.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Use trochanter rolls beside the client's legs.
Trochanter rolls are supportive devices placed alongside the client's hips and thighs to prevent external rotation of the hips and maintain proper alignment of the legs. They help prevent hip abduction and rotation, which can lead to hip dislocation or pressure injuries, especially in immobile clients. Therefore, using trochanter rolls is essential in the care of immobile clients to maintain proper alignment and prevent complications.
B. Place the client's arms at their side when turning them: Placing the client's arms at their side during turning may limit movement and comfort. Instead, the nurse should support the client's arms in a position that promotes comfort and maintains proper alignment.
C. Cross the client's ankles when lying supine: Crossing the client's ankles can lead to compromised circulation and pressure on the bony prominences of the ankles, increasing the risk of pressure injuries. It is not recommended to cross the client's ankles in the supine position.
D. Logroll the client every 4 hr: Logrolling is a technique used to move clients with suspected spinal cord injuries while maintaining spinal alignment. However, it is not necessary to logroll an immobile client every 4 hours unless there are specific indications, such as suspicion of a spinal injury. Frequent repositioning, including the use of trochanter rolls, is essential to prevent pressure injuries and maintain skin integrity but should be individualized based on the client's needs and condition.
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