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 ["B","D","E"]

Explanation

A: A client with lactose intolerance does not have an increased risk of aspiration while eating. Lactose intolerance affects the digestive system, causing symptoms like bloating and diarrhea when consuming dairy products, but it does not impact swallowing.

B: A client who has had a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) or stroke is at increased risk of aspiration. Strokes can affect the muscles involved in swallowing, leading to dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) and increasing the risk of food or liquid entering the airway.

C: A client who has had prolonged diarrhea is not typically at increased risk of aspiration. Diarrhea affects the gastrointestinal system but does not directly impact the swallowing mechanism.

D: A client who has had trauma to the head and neck is at increased risk of aspiration. Such trauma can damage the structures involved in swallowing, leading to dysphagia and a higher likelihood of aspiration.

E: A client who is 4 hours postoperative following a leg amputation with general anesthesia is at increased risk of aspiration. General anesthesia can depress the gag reflex and swallowing function, making it easier for food or liquid to enter the airway during the immediate postoperative period.

A. “Once I start feeling better, I will stop taking my antibiotic.” B. “If I am 30 minutes late taking my medication, I should skip that dose.” C. “My parenteral medication must be taken with food.” D. “I will rotate the sites for my transdermal patch.”

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A: Stopping an antibiotic once feeling better is incorrect. Antibiotics should be taken for the full prescribed course to ensure the infection is fully treated and to prevent antibiotic resistance.

B: Skipping a dose if 30 minutes late is not recommended. Most medications can be taken within a short window of the scheduled time. The patient should follow specific instructions provided by the healthcare provider.

C: Parenteral medications are administered via injection and do not need to be taken with food. This statement indicates a misunderstanding of the medication route.

D: Rotating the sites for a transdermal patch is correct. This practice helps prevent skin irritation and ensures consistent absorption of the medication.

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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 group of clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse identify as having an increased risk of aspiration while eating? (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer is ["B","D","E"]

Explanation

A nurse is teaching a patient about medications. Which statement from the patient indicates teaching is effective?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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A nurse is assessing a client who has hypoxemia for a late sign. Which finding should the nurse expect?

A nurse is preparing an in-service program about preventing medication errors when transcribing a prescription. The nurse is using a dosage example of two tenths of a milligram. Which of the following examples should the nurse use to show appropriate transcription of this dosage?

A nurse is caring for a client who has urinary incontinence. Which of the following actions should the nurse implement to prevent the development of skin breakdown?

A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following abdominal surgery. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that intestinal function is returning?

A nurse is performing an admission assessment on a client. Which finding should the nurse identify as an indication that the client is dehydrated?

A nurse is completing an 8-hour I&O record for a client who consumed 4 oz juice, 6 oz hot tea, 100 mL ice chips, an IV bolus of 150 mL, and 8 oz broth. The nurse should record how many mL of intake on the client’s record?