An IV antibiotic is ordered. Which action best reduces the risk of medication error?
Administer the medication early to stay on schedule
Independently verify medication, dose, and infusion rate
Use standard infusion times for all antibiotics
Rely on memory for dilution and rate
The Correct Answer is B
Rationale:
A. Administer the medication early to stay on schedule is incorrect because timeliness is important, but giving a drug early without verification increases the risk of errors such as wrong dose, wrong concentration, or wrong rate, which can harm the patient.
B. Independently verify medication, dose, and infusion rate is correct. This action follows the “five rights” of medication administration (right patient, right drug, right dose, right route, right time) and ensures that the medication is prepared and administered correctly, reducing the risk of adverse reactions or therapeutic failure. Independent verification is the most effective strategy to prevent medication errors.
C. Use standard infusion times for all antibiotics is incorrect because different antibiotics require specific infusion rates and durations based on pharmacokinetics and patient safety. Using a standard time for all antibiotics may cause harm, including toxicity or subtherapeutic dosing.
D. Rely on memory for dilution and rate is incorrect because relying on memory increases the risk of calculation errors and incorrect medication preparation, especially with high-alert medications like IV antibiotics. Nurses should always refer to the MAR, drug references, or facility protocols.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Prevent medication incompatibility and ensure delivery is correct because flushing the IV line with saline before administration clears the line of residual fluids or medications that could interact with the new medication, preventing chemical incompatibilities. Flushing after medication administration ensures the entire dose reaches the bloodstream and clears the line of any remaining medication, reducing the risk of incomplete dosing or drug interactions. This practice maintains medication efficacy and patient safety.
B. Improve venous circulation is incorrect because flushing does not significantly improve blood flow. Its purpose is line maintenance and safety, not altering circulation.
C. Reduce client discomfort is incorrect because flushing may cause minimal sensation, but the primary purpose is not comfort. Discomfort can occur if the flush is too rapid or if there is resistance in the line.
D. Increase medication absorption is incorrect because IV medications are already delivered directly into the bloodstream, so flushing does not affect absorption. Its purpose is line maintenance, compatibility, and ensuring complete medication delivery.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Stop the IV infusion immediately and contact the provider is correct. Warmth, pain, and possible redness at the IV site are classic signs of phlebitis, which can progress to infection or thrombophlebitis if not addressed promptly. Stopping the IV prevents further irritation or medication infusion into the inflamed vein, and notifying the provider allows for appropriate interventions, such as removing the catheter and prescribing treatment.
B. Place the affected extremity below the level of the client's heart is incorrect because elevation, not lowering, is used for infiltration to reduce swelling. Placing the extremity lower does not treat phlebitis and may worsen discomfort.
C. Place a pressure dressing over the IV site is incorrect because pressure dressings are used for bleeding control, not for phlebitis. Applying pressure over an inflamed vein may increase pain and further irritate the tissue.
D. Apply a warm compress to the IV site is partially correct as a supportive measure for comfort and to promote blood flow and healing, but it is secondary to stopping the infusion. Continuing the IV while applying a warm compress would worsen the irritation.
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