A nurse is teaching a group of newly licensed nurses about the prevention of medication errors. Which of the following factors should the nurse identify as the most frequent cause of fatal medication errors?
Incorrect packaging, such as a topical medication packaged as an oral medication.
Delivery device problems, such as an infusion pump malfunction.
Name confusion between two medications with similar sounding names.
Incorrect labeling of a medication dispensed by the pharmacy.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Incorrect packaging, such as a topical medication packaged as an oral medication, can lead to medication errors. However, it is not the most frequent cause of fatal medication errors. Packaging errors are relatively rare and usually caught before administration.
Choice B rationale
Delivery device problems, such as an infusion pump malfunction, can cause medication errors. These errors can be serious but are not the most frequent cause of fatal medication errors. Device malfunctions are often detected and corrected by healthcare professionals.
Choice C rationale
Name confusion between two medications with similar sounding names is the most frequent cause of fatal medication errors. This type of error occurs when medications with similar names are confused, leading to the administration of the wrong drug. This can have serious and sometimes fatal consequences.
Choice D rationale
Incorrect labeling of a medication dispensed by the pharmacy can lead to medication errors. While labeling errors are a significant concern, they are not the most frequent cause of fatal medication errors. These errors are often identified and corrected before administration.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The client’s temperature has decreased from 37.8°C (100°F) to 37.2°C (99°F). While this is a slight reduction, it indicates a move towards a more normal body temperature. Elevated temperatures can be associated with stress, anxiety, or other underlying conditions. A decrease in temperature suggests that the client’s body is stabilizing and that any potential underlying issues causing the elevated temperature are being managed effectively.
Choice B rationale:
The client’s mood has improved as she appears less anxious and more composed during the physical examination. Anxiety can significantly impact a person’s overall well-being, and a reduction in anxiety levels is a positive indicator of improvement. The client also expresses optimism about her recovery, which is a good sign of mental health improvement.
Choice C rationale:
The client has gained weight, increasing from 53 kg (117 lb) to 55 kg (121 lb). Weight gain in this context is a positive sign, indicating that the client’s body is responding well to treatment and that her nutritional status is improving. Unintentional weight loss can be a symptom of underlying health issues, so reversing this trend is a good indicator of recovery.
Choice D rationale:
The client reports better sleep, which is a significant improvement from her previous insomnia. Sleep is crucial for physical and mental health, and improved sleep patterns can lead to better overall health outcomes. Insomnia can exacerbate anxiety and other health issues, so better sleep is a positive sign.
Choice E rationale:
The client’s heart rate has decreased from 120/min to 95/min. A high heart rate can be a sign of anxiety, stress, or other health issues. A reduction in heart rate indicates that the client’s anxiety levels are decreasing and that her cardiovascular system is stabilizing. This is a positive sign of improvement in her overall health.
Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"A","dropdown-group-2":"B"}
Explanation
The nurse should first address the client’s elevated temperature followed by administering fluids.
So, the complete sentence would be: The nurse should first address the client’s elevated temperature followed by administering fluids.
Certainly! Let’s break down the situation and the rationale behind the priorities:
Elevated Temperature
The client’s temperature spiked significantly from 36.7°C (98.1°F) to 40.2°C (104.4°F) within a short period. This rapid increase is concerning for several reasons:
- Risk of Hyperthermia: A temperature of 40.2°C is dangerously high and can lead to hyperthermia, which can cause damage to body tissues and organs if not promptly addressed.
- Signs of Infection or Sepsis: Such a high fever could indicate a postoperative infection or sepsis, both of which require immediate attention.
- Physiological Stress: Elevated temperatures increase metabolic demands, which can exacerbate other symptoms like tachycardia (high heart rate) and hypotension (low blood pressure).
Administering Fluids
After addressing the elevated temperature, the next priority is to administer fluids. Here’s why:
- Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure): The client’s blood pressure dropped from 110/75 mm Hg to 90/60 mm Hg. This hypotension could be due to several factors, including dehydration, fever, or a systemic inflammatory response.
- Tachycardia (High Heart Rate): The client’s heart rate increased from 65/min to 125/min. This could be a compensatory mechanism for the low blood pressure or a response to the fever. Administering fluids can help stabilize the blood pressure and reduce the heart rate.
- Preventing Shock: Ensuring adequate fluid volume is crucial to prevent hypovolemic shock, which can occur if the body loses too much fluid or blood.
Immediate Actions Taken
The nurse already administered acetaminophen and applied ice packs to help reduce the fever, which are appropriate initial steps. However, continuous monitoring and additional interventions, such as fluid administration, are necessary to stabilize the client’s condition.
Summary
In summary, the nurse should first address the client’s elevated temperature to prevent potential complications from hyperthermia and then administer fluids to stabilize blood pressure and heart rate. This approach prioritizes the most immediate threats to the client’s health and ensures a comprehensive response to the symptoms presented.
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