A nurse manager is informed of a high rate of medication errors on the unit. Which action should the nurse manager take first to address this issue?

Review the factors contributing to the errors and seek staff feedback.

Implement a mandatory training session on safe medication administration.

Report the errors to upper management immediately.

Assign disciplinary actions to the nurses involved in the errors.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Rationale:

A. This is the first and most appropriate action. Before implementing solutions, the nurse manager must understand the root causes of the medication errors. This involves conducting a root cause analysis, reviewing workflows, staffing, workload, equipment issues, communication gaps, and other systemic factors. Seeking staff input encourages open discussion, identifies barriers, and promotes a culture of safety rather than blame.

B. Training may be part of the intervention plan, but it should not be the first step. Without understanding the underlying causes of errors, training alone may not address systemic issues such as workflow inefficiencies, understaffing, or unclear protocols.

C. While reporting is necessary for compliance and organizational transparency, immediate reporting does not address the problem’s root causes or help prevent future errors. It is a secondary action in the overall quality improvement process.

D. Punitive measures are not the first step in addressing errors in modern nursing practice. Disciplinary action without investigating underlying causes can create fear, reduce reporting, and hinder safety culture. Focus should first be on systemic improvements to prevent recurrence.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Rationale:

A. While understanding the hospital’s policy is important, this step alone does not address immediate patient safety concerns or the nurse’s own competence in providing ICU-level care. Floating policies usually allow for temporary reassignment, but safe client assignments must still be individualized based on the nurse’s skills and experience.

B. This is the best action. Nurses are legally and ethically responsible for providing safe care within their scope of practice and competence. Since the nurse has never worked in the ICU, it is critical to communicate openly with the team leader or charge nurse to assign clients that match the nurse’s skills, such as lower-acuity patients or supportive tasks under supervision. This ensures client safety while maintaining professional responsibility.

C. Complete refusal may not be appropriate without first attempting to find a safe solution. Nurses are expected to be flexible, but they must also advocate for patient safety and their own competency. Automatic refusal could be seen as insubordination unless a compromise, such as a safe assignment or orientation, is not possible.

D. This action is extreme and unnecessary in this situation. Legal action is not warranted when immediate patient care issues can be resolved through communication and clarification with supervisors. Taking this step would delay patient care and escalate conflict unnecessarily.

A. I should check to see if my partner urinates on himself." B. "I will make sure he rests after the seizure is over." C. "I will move all the furniture out of his way." D. "I will call 911 as soon as the seizure begins."

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Rationale:

A. While incontinence can occur during a seizure, it is not the priority. The first concern is the client’s safety and prevention of injury. Checking for urination does not protect the client during the seizure.

B. This is partially correct, as postictal rest is normal after a seizure. However, it is not the most crucial action. Ensuring safety during the seizure itself takes priority.

C. The priority during a seizure is to protect the client from injury. Clearing the area of objects reduces the risk of trauma, such as hitting the head or limbs on furniture. Safety measures are the first and most crucial interventions.

D. Emergency services should be contacted if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, if multiple seizures occur without recovery, or if there is injury or difficulty breathing. Calling 911 immediately at the onset of a typical seizure is not required and may not be necessary for every seizure episode.

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A nurse manager is informed of a high rate of medication errors on the unit. Which action should the nurse manager take first to address this issue?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse arrives at work and is told to report (float) to the intensive care unit (ICU) for the day because the ICU is understaffed and needs additional nurses to care for the clients. The nurse has never worked in the ICU. The nurse should take which best action?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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