The nurse is caring for an elderly male client, who will be discharged from the hospital with new medications.
The nurse begins discharge teaching about the new medications.
The patient seems to be disinterested and states, "Please share this information with my wife.
She knows all my medications.”. What action would the nurse take?

Choice A rationale:

Permitting smoking in the home, even with low-flow oxygen, is highly dangerous and increases the risk of fire. Oxygen supports combustion, and any open flames, including smoking materials, can lead to a catastrophic fire. Therefore, this option is incorrect and unsafe.

Choice B rationale:

Placing the oxygen tank in direct sunlight is not advisable. Oxygen tanks should be stored in cool, well-ventilated areas away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and flammable materials. Storing the tank in direct sunlight can increase the pressure inside the tank, potentially leading to leaks or ruptures.

Choice C rationale:

Encouraging the patient to use electric razors is a safe practice when wearing oxygen. Electric razors eliminate the risk of open flames, reducing the potential for accidents. This option promotes patient safety and is a suitable instruction for patients using oxygen at home.

Choice D rationale:

Not using electrical equipment near the oxygen administration set is crucial for patient safety. Electrical equipment can generate sparks, posing a significant fire hazard in the presence of oxygen. Instructing patients to keep electrical devices away from oxygen supplies helps prevent accidents and ensures a safe home environment for patients requiring oxygen therapy.

Choice A rationale:

The nurse is not responsible since the nurse was following the doctor's orders. Rationale: While it is essential for nurses to follow physician orders, they also have a responsibility to assess the appropriateness and safety of those orders. If the nurse administers a medication that is clearly harmful or beyond the normal dosage, they have a duty to question the order and seek clarification from the physician. Administering a medication that is twice the normal dosage without questioning the order would be a breach of the nurse's responsibility.

Choice B rationale:

Only the nurse was responsible since the nurse administered the medication. Rationale: While the nurse did administer the medication, the ultimate responsibility lies with both the nurse and the physician. The nurse should have questioned the order if it appeared to be incorrect or unsafe. Nurses are advocates for their patients and have a duty to ensure the safety and well-being of those under their care.

Choice C rationale:

Both the nurse and the physician are responsible for the error. Rationale: This is the correct choice. Both the nurse and the physician share responsibility for the error. The nurse should have questioned the order, and the physician should have prescribed the correct dosage. Patient safety is a collaborative effort, and both healthcare providers are accountable for ensuring that the patient receives appropriate and safe care.

Choice D rationale:

Only the physician is responsible since he or she ordered the drug. Rationale: While the physician did order the drug, the nurse also has a responsibility to assess the order and question it if necessary. Nurses are trained to use their clinical judgment and critical thinking skills to ensure the safety of their patients. If the nurse administers a medication without questioning a clearly incorrect dosage, they share responsibility for the error.