After administering a medication to a client, the nurse realizes that the client was given another client's drug. What must the nurse do next?
Document the error on the client's medical record and notify the supervisor.
Check the client's MAR for drug allergies, and if there is no indicated allergy to the drug administered in error, no further action is necessary.
Call the health care provider immediately and complete an incident report.
Administer the original drug and observe the client frequently for adverse reactions to the first drug.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: While documentation and supervisor notification are crucial, immediate action involving the health care provider ensures timely response to potential adverse effects from the medication error.
Choice B reason: Relying solely on the absence of drug allergies is insufficient and may jeopardize patient safety. Errors require immediate communication and reporting for appropriate interventions.
Choice C reason: Timely provider notification prioritizes patient safety and enables corrective measures. Completing an incident report supports institutional transparency and learning to prevent future errors.
Choice D reason: Administering additional drugs risks compounding harm. The priority is addressing the initial error and ensuring patient safety without introducing further interventions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Two-hour window (8:00-10:00) is too broad; most protocols allow 30 minutes before/after, as wider ranges risk altering drug pharmacokinetics significantly.
Choice B reason: One-hour window (8:30-9:30) is common but exceeds some strict policies; it’s less precise, potentially affecting drugs with tight timing needs.
Choice C reason: 8:30-9:00 is only before; it excludes post-9:00 flexibility, limiting administration to early dosing, which may not align with full protocol windows.
Choice D reason: 8:45-9:15 (30 minutes either side) fits standard policy; it ensures therapeutic levels for most drugs, balancing efficacy with practical scheduling.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Right patient ensures identity verification; errors here cause harm via misadministration, as drugs affect individuals differently based on physiology and condition.
Choice B reason: Right drug prevents wrong medication errors; each drug’s pharmacokinetics targets specific issues, and mistakes disrupt therapy or cause adverse reactions.
Choice C reason: Color isn’t a standard right; it’s not a reliable identifier, as formulations vary, and clinical safety relies on name, dose, and route, not appearance.
Choice D reason: Right route ensures correct delivery (e.g., IV vs. oral); wrong routes alter bioavailability and onset, risking toxicity or inefficacy per drug design.
Choice E reason: Right time optimizes efficacy; timing aligns with drug half-life and patient needs, preventing under- or overdosing from improper administration schedules.
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