A nurse is preparing to report a medication error to the nurse manager.

What is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?

Document the error in the client's medical record and the incident report.

Notify the client's physician and the risk management department.

Explain the error to the client and apologize sincerely.

Wait until the end of the shift to report the error.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Document the error in the client's medical record and the incident report.

Rationale: The nurse should document the error in both the client's medical record and the incident report, as this is part of the legal and ethical responsibility of the nurse. The documentation should include the facts of what happened, what actions were taken, and the client's response.

Incorrect options:

B) Notify the client's physician and the risk management department. - This is not the most appropriate action, as the nurse should first report the error to the nurse manager, who will then decide who else needs to be notified and how to proceed with further investigation and follow-up.

C) Explain the error to the client and apologize sincerely. - This is not the most appropriate action, as the nurse should first ensure that the client is safe and stable, and then consult with the nurse manager and the legal department before disclosing the error to the client. The nurse should also avoid admitting fault or liability, as this could have legal implications.

D) Wait until the end of the shift to report the error. - This is not an appropriate action, as the nurse should report the error as soon as possible, preferably within an hour of its occurrence. Delaying reporting could compromise client safety and quality of care, as well as increase the risk of legal action.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Repeat back the order to the physician verbatim.

Rationale: The nurse should repeat back the order to the physician verbatim, as this is a standard practice to verify the accuracy and completeness of the order. Repeating back the order allows the nurse and the physician to check for any errors, omissions, or ambiguities, and to clarify any questions or concerns.

Incorrect options:

B) Ask another nurse to listen to the order on speakerphone. - This is not an appropriate action, as it violates the confidentiality and privacy of the client and the physician. Moreover, it does not ensure that the order is correctly understood and recorded by the nurse who will enter it into the computer.

C) Writing down the order on a piece of paper before entering it into the computer is not an appropriate action as it increases the risk of transcription errors, lost or misplaced orders, or delayed entry. The nurse should enter the order directly into the computer as soon as possible and discard any paper notes after verification.

D) Confirming the order with a pharmacist before administering it to the client is not an appropriate action as it adds an unnecessary step and delays the implementation of the order. The nurse should confirm the order with the physician, not the pharmacist, and administer it to the client according to the prescribed schedule. The pharmacist will review the order for any potential interactions, allergies, or contraindications and alert the nurse if any issues arise.

A. "I will eat more foods that are rich in potassium." B. "I will limit my intake of sodium and fluids." C. "I will avoid foods that are high in calcium." D. "I will drink alcohol in moderation."

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

"I will avoid foods that are high in calcium."

Rationale: Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic that lowers blood pressure by increasing urine output and reducing fluid volume. However, it also causes increased excretion of potassium and magnesium, and decreased excretion of calcium and uric acid. Therefore, clients taking hydrochlorothiazide should eat more foods that are rich in potassium and magnesium, such as bananas, oranges, potatoes, spinach, nuts, and seeds; limit their intake of sodium and fluids to prevent fluid retention and edema; avoid foods that are high in uric acid, such as organ meats, shellfish, and alcohol; and monitor their serum calcium levels regularly. There is no need to avoid foods that are high in calcium, as hydrochlorothiazide does not increase calcium excretion.

Incorrect options:

A) "I will eat more foods that are rich in potassium." - This is a correct statement, as hydrochlorothiazide causes increased potassium excretion and can lead to hypokalemia if not supplemented.

B) "I will limit my intake of sodium and fluids." - This is a correct statement, as sodium and fluids can cause fluid retention and edema, which can increase blood pressure and counteract the effects of hydrochlorothiazide.

D) "I will drink alcohol in moderation." - This is a correct statement, as alcohol can increase uric acid levels and cause gout attacks in clients taking hydrochlorothiazide. Alcohol can also lower blood pressure and increase the risk of orthostatic hypotension.

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A nurse is preparing to report a medication error to the nurse manager. What is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is receiving a telephone order from a physician for a new medication for a client. Which action should the nurse take to ensure accuracy and safety?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A client who has hypertension is prescribed hydrochlorothiazide, a thiazide diuretic. The nurse teaches the client about dietary modifications while taking this medication. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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A nurse is preparing to report a medication error to the nurse manager.

What is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?