A registered nurse interprets that a scribbled medication order reads 25 mg. The nurse administers 25 mg of the medication to a patient and then discovers that the dose was incorrectly interpreted and should have been 15 mg. Who is ultimately responsible for the error?

Nurse

Health care provider

Hospital

Pharmacist

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A: The nurse is ultimately responsible for the error. Nurses are responsible for ensuring the correct administration of medications, which includes verifying the correct dosage. When a nurse administers medication, they must double-check the order, especially if it is unclear or illegible. In this case, the nurse misinterpreted the scribbled order and administered an incorrect dose, making them accountable for the error. Nurses are trained to seek clarification if there is any doubt about a medication order to prevent such mistakes.

B: The health care provider, while responsible for prescribing the medication, is not ultimately responsible for the administration error in this scenario. The provider’s role is to ensure that the prescription is clear and accurate. However, if the order is unclear, it is the nurse’s responsibility to seek clarification before administering the medication. The health care provider would be responsible if the error was due to a prescribing mistake, but in this case, the error occurred during the administration phase.

C: The hospital, as an institution, provides the environment and resources for patient care but is not directly responsible for individual medication administration errors. The hospital’s role includes ensuring that systems are in place for safe medication practices, such as proper training and protocols. However, the responsibility for the error lies with the individual who administered the medication incorrectly.

D: The pharmacist’s role is to dispense medications accurately and provide information about the medication. While pharmacists can catch potential errors in prescriptions, they are not responsible for the administration of the medication. In this case, the pharmacist would not be held accountable for the nurse’s misinterpretation and incorrect administration of the medication.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A: Placing the head of the client’s bed in the flat position is not the appropriate first action. While it may help reduce strain on the abdominal area, it does not address the immediate issue of the exposed bowel.

B: Gently reinserting the bowel back into the client’s wound is not recommended. This action could cause further injury or introduce infection. The nurse should avoid manipulating the exposed bowel.

C: Positioning the client on his left side does not directly address the issue of the exposed bowel. While it may help with comfort, it does not provide the necessary protection for the exposed tissue.

D: Applying moistened sterile gauze to the site is the correct action. This helps protect the exposed bowel from contamination and keeps it moist, which is crucial to prevent tissue damage. The nurse should then notify the surgeon immediately for further instructions.

A. Pull the auricle upward and outward to straighten the ear canal. B. Pull the auricle down and back to straighten the ear canal. C. Sit the child up to insert the cotton ball into the innermost ear canal. D. Sit the child up for 2 to 3 minutes after instilling drops in the ear canal.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A: Pulling the auricle upward and outward is the correct technique for adults and children over 3 years old, not for a 2-year-old child.

B: Pulling the auricle down and back is the correct technique for straightening the ear canal in children under 3 years old. This allows for proper administration of the eardrops.

C: Sitting the child up to insert a cotton ball into the innermost ear canal is not appropriate. Cotton balls should not be inserted deeply into the ear canal.

D: Sitting the child up for 2 to 3 minutes after instilling drops is not necessary. The child should remain in a position that allows the drops to stay in the ear canal for the prescribed time.

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A registered nurse interprets that a scribbled medication order reads 25 mg. The nurse administers 25 mg of the medication to a patient and then discovers that the dose was incorrectly interpreted and should have been 15 mg. Who is ultimately responsible for the error?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following abdominal surgery. The nurse discovers a loop of bowel through an opening in the surgical incision. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A 2-year-old child is ordered to have eardrops daily. Which action will the nurse take?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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