The graduate nurse is aware that the count of the unit's narcotics and controlled substances at the change of shifts should involve:
One nurse who is going off duty and one nurse coming on duty.
The unit's head nurse and a hospital pharmacist.
Everyone who has given or will be giving narcotics on both shifts.
One pharmacy technician and the unit's head or charge nurse.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Narcotics are controlled substances requiring strict accountability; two nurses—one ending and one starting the shift—verify counts to ensure accuracy and prevent diversion per regulatory standards.
Choice B reason: The head nurse and pharmacist may oversee inventory, but shift change counts involve direct caregivers for real-time accuracy, not administrative staff, ensuring immediate responsibility and oversight.
Choice C reason: Involving all nurses from both shifts is impractical and unnecessary; it dilutes accountability and increases error risk, as only two are needed to confirm the count efficiently.
Choice D reason: Pharmacy technicians lack authority over unit narcotics, and the charge nurse alone doesn’t suffice; two nurses ensure a witnessed, reliable count per hospital policy and law.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Checking with another nurse may occur, but it’s not mandatory for all schedule II drugs; documentation is the primary legal responsibility to track controlled substances accurately.
Choice B reason: Signing out on a narcotic sheet is required; schedule II drugs like opioids need strict tracking to prevent diversion, ensuring accountability per federal and hospital regulations.
Choice C reason: Leaving medication at the bedside violates security; schedule II drugs must remain controlled, as unattended narcotics risk theft or misuse, breaching safety protocols entirely.
Choice D reason: Extra water is irrelevant to responsibility; it’s a hydration tip, not a legal or safety duty tied to administering highly regulated schedule II controlled substances.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Pharmacy technicians are not authorized to administer medications. Their scope involves preparation and dispensing under supervision, ensuring safety and compliance.
Choice B reason: Safe practice standards dictate that the preparing nurse administers the medications to ensure accuracy and accountability, minimizing potential errors.
Choice C reason: Delegating to the head nurse violates medication administration protocols, as accountability rests with the nurse who prepared the medications.
Choice D reason: Allowing other licensed nurses to distribute medications increases the risk of errors due to lack of firsthand knowledge of preparation specifics.
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