A nurse is reviewing a client’s orders and notes the following: Vital signs every 4 hours, regular diet, Cefazolin 1g IV every 8 hours for 5 days, Metformin 1,000 mg PO every 12 hours, and point of care blood glucose check every 4 hours.

Which action should the nurse take?

Choice A rationale
Double-checking all dosage calculations is a crucial step in preventing medication errors. This process involves verifying the calculations to ensure the correct dose is administered.
However, while important, it is not the most effective technique on its own. It must be combined with other strategies to ensure comprehensive error prevention.
Choice B rationale
Identifying unusually large or small doses is essential in preventing medication errors. This involves recognizing doses that fall outside the typical range for a given medication and patient population. However, this technique alone does not address other potential errors, such as patient misidentification or incorrect medication administration.
Choice C rationale
Comparing the medication label to the order is a fundamental step in preventing medication errors. This process ensures that the correct medication is being administered as per the physician’s order. However, this technique alone does not address other potential errors, such as incorrect dosage calculations or patient misidentification.
Choice D rationale

Using at least two client identifiers before administering a dose is the most effective technique in preventing medication errors. This process ensures that the correct patient is receiving the correct medication. It addresses the critical issue of patient misidentification, which is a common cause of medication errors. By confirming the patient’s identity using two identifiers, such as name and date of birth, the risk of administering medication to the wrong patient is significantly reduced.
Choice E rationale
Involving and educating clients in medication administration is an important strategy in preventing medication errors. Educated clients are more likely to understand their medication regimen and recognize potential errors. However, this technique alone does not address other potential errors, such as incorrect dosage calculations or patient misidentification.
Choice F rationale
Documenting all medication in the electronic record as soon as it is given is a crucial step in preventing medication errors. This process ensures that there is an accurate and up-to-date record of all medications administered. However, this technique alone does not address other potential errors, such as incorrect dosage calculations or patient misidentification.

Choice A rationale
Placing the client on contact precautions is not indicated based on the provided orders. Contact precautions are typically used for infections that are spread by direct or indirect contact, such as MRSA or C. difficile. The orders do not suggest the presence of such an infection.
Choice B rationale
Starting a high-fiber diet is not indicated. The client is already on a regular diet, and there is no mention of conditions that would necessitate a high-fiber diet, such as constipation or diverticulosis.
Choice C rationale
Administering an oral steroid is not indicated. The orders include Cefazolin, an antibiotic, and Metformin, an antidiabetic medication. There is no indication for an oral steroid, which is typically used for inflammatory conditions or autoimmune diseases.
Choice D rationale
Making the client NPO (nothing by mouth) is the correct action. This is likely due to the need for accurate blood glucose monitoring and the administration of IV antibiotics. Being NPO ensures that the client does not eat or drink anything that could interfere with these treatments.