The nurse is preparing to administer a medication from a unit-dose system. The nurse verifies that the medication, dose, and time are correct and that the expiration date was the day prior. Which action is correct?
Administer the medication and observe for adequate drug effects.
Notify the pharmacist and provider of a medication error.
Return the medication to the pharmacy to be replaced.
Verify the right patient and administer the medication.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Administering an expired medication is unsafe. Even if the medication appears unchanged, its potency, stability, and effectiveness may be compromised.
B. There is no medication error in this scenario, as the nurse has not yet administered the drug. However, the pharmacy should be notified so that a replacement can be provided.
C. The appropriate action is to return the expired medication to the pharmacy for a replacement. Medications should not be administered if they are past their expiration date, as this can affect efficacy and patient safety.
D. Verifying the right patient is part of safe medication administration, but it does not address the issue of the expired medication. The correct response is to obtain a non-expired dose from the pharmacy.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
a) Clarifying the order with the charge nurse is not the correct action. The charge nurse may not be able to clarify medication orders and is not the primary contact for this issue.
b) Diluting and administering the medication by gastrostomy tube (GT) is inappropriate because the medication is ordered to be taken p.o. (by mouth), not via the tube.
c) Clarifying the order with the healthcare provider is the most appropriate step. A p.o. order is typically for oral administration, but the client has a gastrotomy tube. The nurse should clarify with the provider whether the medication can be crushed and administered via the tube or if a different route or medication form is necessary.
d) Administering the medication p.o. as ordered would not be appropriate if the client is unable to take oral medications. The nurse should verify the appropriate route of administration based on the patient's condition.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. The ages and relationships of household members are subjective data because they are reported by the patient and not directly measured or observed.
B. Usual dietary patterns and intake are also subjective data, as they rely on patient self-reporting rather than measurable, verifiable findings.
C. A list of herbal supplements regularly used is subjective because it depends on the patient’s recall and self-reporting rather than objective measurement.
D. Lab values are considered objective data because they are measurable, verifiable, and obtained through diagnostic testing rather than patient self-reporting. Objective data are based on observable and quantifiable factors, making them more reliable for clinical decision-making.
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