A nurse is preparing to administer insulin to a client who has diabetes mellitus. The nurse notices that the insulin vial has a small amount of white precipitate at the bottom. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A) This is correct because using two client identifiers, such as name and date of birth, is a standard safety measure to ensure that the right medication is given to the right client.

B) This is correct because checking the expiration date of the medication before administering it is another safety measure to prevent giving expired or ineffective medications to clients.

C) This is correct because comparing the medication label with the prescription three times (before, during, and after preparing the medication) is a recommended practice to prevent errors such as wrong dose, wrong route, or wrong time.

D) This is incorrect because administering the medication as soon as possible after receiving it from the pharmacy may increase the risk of errors due to haste or distraction. The nurse should follow the prescribed schedule and administer the medication within a reasonable time frame.

E) This is incorrect because documenting the medication administration after completing other tasks may lead to forgetting or omitting important information. The nurse should document the medication administration as soon as possible after giving it to the client.

Rapid heart rate and palpitations are potential signs of a medication error, particularly if the client is receiving medication that can affect cardiac function. These symptoms can indicate an adverse reaction or an overdose of certain medications, such as those that affect the cardiovascular system. Monitoring the client's cardiac status is crucial in detecting and managing potential medication errors.

Incorrect choices:

a) Mild headache and dizziness: While these symptoms may be bothersome, they are generally not indicative of a medication error unless they persist or worsen.

b) Temporary nausea and vomiting: Nausea and vomiting can occur as side effects of medications, and they may not necessarily indicate a medication error.

d) Transient muscle weakness and fatigue: Although muscle weakness and fatigue can be associated with medication errors, they are less specific and may be caused by various other factors. Rapid heart rate and palpitations are more concerning in this context.