How many identifiers should a nurse use to verify the right client before administering medication?
No identifiers are needed
One identifier
Two identifiers
Three identifiers
The Correct Answer is C
A. No identifiers are needed: Administering medication without verifying the client is unsafe and violates standard nursing practice. Omitting identifiers significantly increases the risk of medication errors and patient harm.
B. One identifier: Using only one identifier is insufficient to ensure accurate patient identification, as it may not reliably distinguish between clients with similar names or demographics. Safety standards require additional verification.
C. Two identifiers: Using two client identifiers—such as full name and date of birth, or medical record number—before medication administration is the standard of care. This practice reduces the risk of errors and ensures that medications are given to the correct client.
D. Three identifiers: While using three identifiers may add extra confirmation, current guidelines from The Joint Commission and most hospital policies recommend two identifiers as the required standard for safe medication administration.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Calculation:
- Identify the ordered dose and available concentration
Ordered Dose: 5 mg
Available Concentration: 10 mg/mL
- Calculate the volume to administer
Volume to administer = Ordered Dose ÷ Concentration
Volume to administer = 5 ÷ 10
= 0.5 mL
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Clarify with the prescribing provider whether the order is to be given routinely or as needed (PRN), and determine the frequency of administration before giving the medication: The prescription does not specify whether it is PRN or scheduled, nor the minimum interval between doses. Clarification ensures safe, legal, and appropriate administration.
B. Administer 2 tablets of aspirin immediately, as the dose is clearly stated and the patient reports pain: Administering the medication without clarification could result in inappropriate dosing or exceed safe daily limits. Dose amount alone does not confirm safe timing or frequency.
C. Hold the medication and wait for the patient to request it again to confirm continued pain before administering: While assessing pain is important, withholding medication without clarification from the provider could delay pain relief and does not address the ambiguity in the order.
D. Give one tablet now and the second tablet after 30 minutes if pain persists, following standard pain management protocols: Altering the prescribed dose without provider instruction is unsafe and constitutes medication error. Standard protocols cannot override unclear prescriptions without clarification.
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.