A nurse is preparing to administer morphine 4 mg IV bolus to a client who reports pain. Available is morphine 10 mg/mL. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Have another nurse witness the disposal of the extra medication.
Discard the extra medication in a sharps container.
Save the extra medication for a later dosing.
Send the waste amount to the pharmacy.
The Correct Answer is A
A. In many institutions, when a nurse administers a controlled substance and has leftover medication, it is standard practice to have another nurse witness the disposal of the excess. This is a safeguard against misuse and ensures accountability.
B. While a sharps container is appropriate for disposing of needles and other sharp objects, it is not suitable for liquid medications. Discarding liquid medications in a sharps container could lead to contamination and is not compliant with disposal protocols.
C. Medications, especially controlled substances, should never be saved for later use once they have been drawn up or prepared. This practice poses a significant risk for medication errors and misuse.
D. Generally, the waste amount is not sent to the pharmacy. Instead, it should be wasted according to the facility's policy, typically in the presence of another nurse. Sending it to the pharmacy is unnecessary and could create logistical complications.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. While prioritizing tasks is important, simply instructing the team member to focus on the most necessary tasks does not address the root of the problem. It may not provide the support or resources needed to effectively manage their workload.
B. While this might seem helpful in the short term, it does not empower the team member or address the issue of workload management. Taking on too much responsibility can also lead to burnout for the RN and is not a sustainable solution.
C. This option does not consider the needs of the original team member and may disrupt teamwork or create additional stress for other staff. It’s important to address the workload collaboratively rather than simply redistributing it without context.
D. This is the best initial action. By examining the workload together, the RN can help the team member identify which tasks are most critical and which can be deferred or delegated. This approach fosters collaboration, empowers the team member, and ensures that patient care needs are met efficiently.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Collaboration between nurses at different levels is essential for improving client outcomes. By working together, nurses can share their expertise and ensure that clients receive the best possible care.
B. By increasing delegation between nurses at different levels, RNs can focus on high-risk tasks that require their expertise, while LPNs can take on more routine tasks. This can help to improve efficiency and reduce the workload of RNs, leading to better client outcomes.
C. LPNs can safely and effectively perform many low-risk tasks, such as monitoring vital signs and administering medications. Decreasing their workload for these tasks would not necessarily improve client outcomes.
D. RNs should not be overburdened with high-risk tasks. By delegating appropriate tasks to LPNs, RNs can focus on high-risk tasks that require their expertise and ensure that clients receive the best possible care.
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