The health care provider has ordered Amikin (amikacin) 500 mg, IM q8h.

Drug available:

The nurse should give___mL for each dose.

A) Administer 2.5 mL of amoxicillin per dose: This option is incorrect because administering 2.5 mL would only provide 62.5 mg of amoxicillin (since 125 mg is in 5 mL). The prescribed dose is 250 mg, so this volume is insufficient.

B) Administer 10 mL of amoxicillin per dose: This option is also incorrect. Administering 10 mL would provide 250 mg of amoxicillin (since 125 mg is in 5 mL, 10 mL equals 250 mg). However, this option may confuse the correct volume with a miscalculation if misunderstood in context, so it should not be selected without a proper calculation verification.

C) Administer the amoxicillin at 0800, 1200, and 1800: This option is correct. Administering the medication every 8 hours at these times ensures that the medication is given according to the prescribed schedule, maintaining appropriate therapeutic levels.

D) Compare the patient's name and date of birth on the armband with the MAR: This action is crucial for ensuring patient safety. Verifying patient identifiers against the MAR helps prevent medication errors and ensures that the right patient receives the correct medication.

E) Administer the medication by the parenteral route: This option is incorrect. The order specifies oral (PO) administration of amoxicillin, so administering it parenterally would not align with the prescribed route and could lead to incorrect dosing or complications.

A) Use an automated medication dispensing system: While automated systems can enhance efficiency and reduce the risk of errors, they are not foolproof. Errors can still occur due to incorrect entries or malfunctions, so reliance solely on technology without further precautions may not be sufficient.

B) Avoid distractions and take time to prepare medications: Reducing distractions is important for maintaining focus during medication preparation. However, it is just one aspect of a comprehensive approach to medication safety. This practice alone does not encompass the necessary protocols that ensure the correct medication is administered.

C) Adhere to the 6 rights of medication administration: Following the 6 rights—right patient, right drug, right dose, right route, right time, and right documentation—is the most effective strategy for preventing medication errors. This systematic approach provides a framework for nurses to ensure accuracy and accountability in every medication administration.

D) Only give medications to patients who are alert and oriented: While it’s important to assess a patient's alertness before administering medications, this criterion alone does not address the various factors that can lead to medication errors. Patients may require medications even when not fully alert, and it is the nurse's responsibility to ensure safety through proper protocols rather than simply limiting administration based on alertness.