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: Fentanyl patches provide continuous opioid delivery for 72 hours; their fixed schedule isn’t “as needed,” making them unsuitable for acute, variable pain management.
Choice B reason: Acetaminophen with oxycodone is scheduled every 6 hours; this fixed interval lacks the flexibility of “as needed,” limiting its use for breakthrough pain relief.
Choice C reason: Morphine extended-release is designed for sustained release over 12 hours; its fixed dosing isn’t “as needed,” restricting its role to chronic, not acute, pain control.
Choice D reason: Ketorolac IV every 4 hours prn allows flexible dosing; this NSAID targets inflammation and pain acutely, ideal for as-needed administration within safe limits.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: One 5-mg tablet provides only 5 mg, far below the 15 mg ordered; this underdose fails to control hypertension effectively, risking cardiovascular complications like stroke or heart failure.
Choice B reason: Two tablets yield 10 mg, still short of 15 mg; this insufficient dose wouldn’t achieve therapeutic blood pressure reduction, leaving the patient at risk for hypertensive damage.
Choice C reason: Three 5-mg tablets equal 15 mg, matching the order precisely; this dose effectively inhibits angiotensin-converting enzyme, lowering blood pressure to a therapeutic range safely.
Choice D reason: Four tablets deliver 20 mg, exceeding the order; this overdose could cause hypotension, dizziness, or renal impairment due to excessive ACE inhibition beyond therapeutic needs.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.