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

Explanation

A: Completing proper documentation of the medication error is important but should not be the first action. Immediate assessment of the patient is more critical.

B: Returning to the room to check and assess the patient is the first priority. The nurse needs to determine if the patient has experienced any adverse effects from the medication error and provide appropriate care.

C: Administering the antidote to the patient immediately is only necessary if the medication given has a known antidote and the patient is showing signs of adverse effects. Assessment should come first.

D: Alerting the charge nurse that a medication error has occurred is important for reporting and follow-up but should follow the immediate assessment and care of the patient.

A. “I can drink cranberry juice each day.” B. “I will need to wipe my perineal area from back to front after urination.” C. “I will need to empty my bladder regularly and completely.” D. “I need to drink 8 cups of liquid each day.”

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A: Drinking cranberry juice each day can help prevent UTIs. Cranberry juice contains compounds that may prevent bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract walls, reducing the risk of infection.

B: Wiping the perineal area from back to front after urination is incorrect and increases the risk of introducing bacteria from the anal area to the urethra, leading to UTIs. The correct method is to wipe from front to back to minimize this risk.

C: Emptying the bladder regularly and completely is an important measure to prevent UTIs. It helps flush out bacteria from the urinary tract and reduces the risk of infection.

D: Drinking 8 cups of liquid each day is recommended to maintain adequate hydration and promote regular urination, which helps prevent UTIs by flushing out bacteria.

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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

The nurse is preparing to administer medications to two patients with the same last name. After the administration, the nurse realizes that she did not check the identification of the patient before administering medication. Which action should the nurse complete first?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is providing teaching to a client about measures to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs). Which client statement indicates a need for further teaching?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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