After the nurse hands a client a medication, the client says, "What is this red tablet for? I have always taken a yellow pill." What is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?
Withhold the drug and recheck the MAR with the health care provider’s order sheet.
Explain that the health care provider probably changed the drug today to something more effective and administer it.
Administer the medication, but make a mental note to check on it later.
Describe the action of the red tablet to the client and administer it.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Withholding and rechecking ensures safety; a color change signals a potential error, and verifying the MAR against orders prevents administering the wrong drug.
Choice B reason: Assuming a change is risky; without confirmation, administering an unverified drug could harm the patient if it’s not the intended prescription.
Choice C reason: Administering then checking later endangers the patient; a wrong drug could cause adverse effects, and delayed verification violates safety protocols.
Choice D reason: Describing and giving without verification is unsafe; the red tablet may not match the order, risking incorrect treatment or allergic reactions.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
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.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: One 5-mg tablet delivers 5 mg; this underdoses the 10 mg ordered, reducing salivation stimulation needed for dry eye relief.
Choice B reason: Two 5-mg tablets equal 10 mg; this matches the order, ensuring therapeutic cholinergic effect to increase tear production effectively.
Choice C reason: Three tablets (15 mg) overdose; excess pilocarpine risks side effects (e.g., sweating, bradycardia) without added benefit for dry eyes.
Choice D reason: Four tablets (20 mg) far exceed the dose; this could cause severe cholinergic toxicity, including respiratory distress, outweighing therapeutic intent.
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