A pediatric patient needs a medication dose of 0.5 mL. How should this dose be written to minimize the risk of error?
5mL
5mL
50 mL
0.5 ml
The Correct Answer is D
A. 5 mL: Writing 5 mL instead of 0.5 mL would result in a tenfold overdose, which is extremely dangerous, especially for pediatric patients.
B. 5mL: Omitting the space between the number and unit does not prevent the overdose risk; the value itself is still incorrect for the prescribed dose.
C. 50 mL: This is a hundredfold higher than the prescribed dose and would cause severe toxicity if administered.
D. 0.5 mL: Writing the dose as 0.5 mL clearly specifies the intended volume and minimizes the risk of misinterpretation or medication errors, particularly when dealing with small pediatric doses.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. It ensures the medication is delivered through the correct method (e.g., oral, IV): The route of administration is critical for safe medication use because it dictates how the drug enters the body, influencing absorption, onset, and effectiveness. Administering via the wrong route can lead to reduced efficacy, adverse effects, or serious harm.
B. It helps verify the medication's intended use: While the route may provide context, verifying the intended therapeutic use primarily depends on the drug name, indication, and prescription details rather than the route alone.
C. It indicates the frequency of administration needed: Frequency is determined by the prescribed schedule, pharmacokinetics, and clinical guidelines, not solely by the route listed on the label.
D. It guarantees the medication is stored properly: Storage requirements are provided separately on the label; the route does not dictate how the medication should be stored.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Tuberculin syringes lack unit calibrations specific to insulin: Tuberculin syringes are marked in milliliters, not insulin units, which makes them inappropriate for accurate insulin dosing. Using them increases the risk of dosing errors and potential hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.
B. Tuberculin syringes do not have a needle attached: Tuberculin syringes typically come with a needle or have compatible needles available. Lack of needle is not the main safety concern for insulin administration.
C. Tuberculin syringes can only be used for intramuscular injections: Tuberculin syringes can be used for subcutaneous or intradermal injections; their limitation is not route but the calibration for precise dosing, which is unsuitable for insulin.
D. Tuberculin syringes are too large for insulin administration: Tuberculin syringes are small (1 mL), but size is not the main issue. The critical concern is that they are not calibrated in insulin units, making precise dosing unsafe.
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