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 C

Explanation

A: Keeping a fluorescent ceiling light on at night can be too bright and disrupt sleep. A nightlight is a better option for safety without disturbing sleep.

B: Keeping the walker at the end of the bed is not ideal. The walker should be within easy reach to prevent falls when getting out of bed.

C: Placing a bath seat in the shower is a good safety measure. It provides stability and reduces the risk of slipping and falling while bathing.

D: Placing an area rug at the entry of the bathroom can be a tripping hazard. It is better to use non-slip mats that are securely placed.

A. Hypertension B. Tachycardia C. Pallor D. Bradypnea

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A: Hypertension is not typically a late sign of hypoxemia. It can occur in various conditions but is not specific to hypoxemia.

B: Tachycardia is an early sign of hypoxemia as the body attempts to compensate for low oxygen levels by increasing the heart rate.

C: Pallor is a late sign of hypoxemia. It indicates poor oxygenation and perfusion, often seen when the body can no longer compensate for the lack of oxygen.

D: Bradypnea, or slow breathing, is not a typical sign of hypoxemia. Hypoxemia usually causes an increase in respiratory rate (tachypnea) as the body tries to take in more oxygen.

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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

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