After implementation of new policies related to client identification prior to medication administration, the frequency of medication errors remains unchanged. Which should be the nurse manager's next action?
Provide revised procedural updates through additional nursing staff education programs.
Examine medication administration data to determine use of new policy by nursing staff.
Investigate identified procedural variances in medication administration with nursing staff.
Determine changes in procedure needed to reduce the frequency of medication errors.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Providing revised procedural updates through additional nursing staff education programs is not the best action for the nurse manager to take. The nurse manager should first evaluate the effectiveness of the current policies and education programs before implementing any changes. The nurse manager should also involve the nursing staff in the process of revising the policies and education programs.
Choice B reason: Examining medication administration data to determine use of new policy by nursing staff is the best action for the nurse manager to take. The nurse manager should analyze the data to identify the types, causes, and frequency of medication errors and compare them with the previous data. The nurse manager should also assess the compliance and feedback of the nursing staff regarding the new policies. This will help the nurse manager to identify the gaps and barriers in the implementation of the new policies and plan appropriate interventions.
Choice C reason: Investigating identified procedural variances in medication administration with nursing staff is an important action for the nurse manager to take, but not the best one. The nurse manager should first examine the medication administration data to determine the extent and nature of the procedural variances. The nurse manager should then investigate the specific cases of variances with the nursing staff and provide constructive feedback and guidance.
Choice D reason: Determining changes in procedure needed to reduce the frequency of medication errors is a desirable outcome for the nurse manager, but not the best action to take. The nurse manager should first examine the medication administration data and investigate the procedural variances before making any changes in the procedure. The nurse manager should also consult with the healthcare provider, the pharmacist, and the quality improvement team to ensure that the changes are evidence-based and feasible.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Contacting the healthcare provider to ensure that a prescription for restraints was written is not the priority action by the nurse-manager. The use of restraints should be avoided as much as possible and only used as a last resort when other alternatives have failed. The nurse-manager should first assess the situation and intervene to protect the client's rights and safety.
Choice B reason: Advising the staff nurse to remove the restraints from the client's wrists is the priority action by the nurse-manager. The use of restraints is a violation of the client's autonomy and dignity and can cause physical and psychological harm. The nurse-manager should educate the staff nurse about the ethical and legal implications of using restraints and the importance of using the least restrictive measures to ensure the client's comfort and safety.
Choice C reason: Determining if the client has an as needed (PRN) prescription for an antianxiety agent is not the priority action by the nurse-manager. The use of medication to sedate the client is also a form of restraint and should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. The nurse-manager should first address the inappropriate use of physical restraints and then explore other non-pharmacological interventions to calm the client.
Choice D reason: Closing the door to the room to avoid disturbing other clients in nearby rooms is not the priority action by the nurse-manager. The use of restraints can increase the risk of injury, infection, and emotional distress for the client. The nurse-manager should not ignore the client's pleas and complaints and should ensure that the client is monitored closely and frequently.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Heparin in Normal Saline prescribed for deep vein thrombosis is not a safe infusion to administer without an IV infusion pump. Heparin is a high-alert medication that requires precise and consistent dosing and monitoring. An IV infusion pump can ensure accurate and steady delivery of heparin and prevent adverse effects such as bleeding or clotting.
Choice B reason: Regular Insulin in Normal Saline prescribed for ketoacidosis is not a safe infusion to administer without an IV infusion pump. Insulin is a high-alert medication that requires careful and frequent adjustment of the infusion rate based on the blood glucose level. An IV infusion pump can provide precise and flexible control of the insulin infusion and prevent complications such as hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.
Choice C reason: Magnesium in Normal Saline prescribed for hypomagnesemia is not a safe infusion to administer without an IV infusion pump. Magnesium is a medication that can cause serious side effects such as cardiac arrhythmias, respiratory depression, or neuromuscular weakness if infused too rapidly or in excess. An IV infusion pump can regulate the infusion rate and volume of magnesium and prevent toxicity or overdose.
Choice D reason: Ceftriaxone in 5% Dextrose in Water prescribed for pneumonia is a safe infusion to administer without an IV infusion pump. Ceftriaxone is an antibiotic that can be given as a bolus or a slow infusion over 30 minutes. It does not require frequent or precise adjustment of the infusion rate or volume. It can be administered using a gravity drip method with a manual flow regulator and a drop factor.
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