During a busy shift, a nurse is interrupted multiple times while preparing medications. What is the best practice to prevent errors?
Ask a colleague to take over preparation when interrupted.
Prepare all medications at once to improve efficiency.
Continue preparation despite interruptions to maintain schedule.
Complete preparation for one client at a time without distractions.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Ask a colleague to take over preparation when interrupted: Delegating can help maintain safety if the colleague is qualified, but frequent handoffs increase the risk of miscommunication and errors. The priority is to maintain focus during preparation rather than relying on multiple caregivers.
B. Prepare all medications at once to improve efficiency: Preparing multiple medications simultaneously increases the chance of confusion, incorrect labeling, or cross-contamination. Efficiency should never compromise accuracy or patient safety.
C. Continue preparation despite interruptions to maintain schedule: Working while distracted significantly increases the risk of medication errors, including wrong drug, dose, or route. Minimizing distractions is critical to ensure safe administration.
D. Complete preparation for one client at a time without distractions: Focusing on one client’s medications at a time allows the nurse to verify the five rights accurately and reduces errors caused by interruptions or multitasking. This approach aligns with best practices for medication safety.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"B"}
Explanation
A. Ignore: Ignoring the medication label increases the risk of administration errors and can lead to patient harm. Safe medication administration requires active verification rather than neglecting the label.
B. Compare: Comparing the medication label with the MAR ensures the right drug, dose, route, and time are administered. This verification is a critical safety step and a standard practice in nursing to prevent errors.
C. Assume: Assuming the medication is correct without verification bypasses safety checks and increases the risk of incorrect administration. Assumptions can lead to serious adverse events.
D. Glance at: Simply glancing at the label is insufficient for accurate verification. Thorough comparison is necessary to ensure all details match the MAR before administration.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. At the measurement line: While graduated cylinders have marked measurement lines, the correct technique requires reading the meniscus rather than aligning the eye with a line on the cylinder. Measurement lines alone do not ensure accuracy.
B. At the base of the meniscus: Liquid in a cylinder forms a concave curve, and the correct volume is read at the lowest point of this meniscus at eye level. This method ensures precise measurement and prevents dosing errors.
C. At the bevel: The bevel refers to the slanted edge of a syringe needle, not a graduated cylinder. Reading at the bevel is irrelevant and would produce inaccurate volume readings.
D. At the top of the cylinder: Reading the top of the liquid meniscus overestimates the volume and can result in administering an incorrect dose. Accuracy requires aligning the eye with the meniscus base.
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