The nurse is preparing to administer a narcotic analgesic to Mr. Brown( Morphine) and the inventory count is incorrect. How does the nurse respond?
Report the discrepancy immediately after preparing the medication
Notify the Doctor and the Pharmacist immediately
Stop preparing the medication and notify the appropriate person immediately
Continue to pour as the count only needs to be correct at the end of the shift
The Correct Answer is C
A. Report the discrepancy immediately after preparing the medication: Once a discrepancy in a controlled substance count is identified, the nurse should not continue handling or preparing the medication. Proceeding with preparation before resolving the discrepancy may further complicate accountability and chain-of-custody documentation.
B. Notify the Doctor and the Pharmacist immediately: Although pharmacy may eventually be involved in reconciliation, the first step is not to notify the physician. The appropriate immediate action is to follow institutional policy by notifying the charge nurse or supervisor responsible for controlled substance oversight rather than the prescribing provider.
C. Stop preparing the medication and notify the appropriate person immediately: A narcotic count discrepancy requires immediate action before any further medication handling occurs. Stopping preparation preserves the integrity of the count, prevents additional documentation errors, and initiates formal investigation per controlled substance regulations and facility policy.
D. Continue to pour as the count only needs to be correct at the end of the shift: Controlled substance counts must be accurate at all times, not just at shift change. Continuing to administer medication when a discrepancy exists violates legal standards, increases diversion risk, and places the nurse’s license at risk.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Enteric-coated: Enteric-coated tablets are designed to resist stomach acid and dissolve in the intestines. Crushing them destroys the coating, which can result in gastric irritation, reduced efficacy, or toxicity. Therefore, these should never be crushed for enteral administration.
B. Tablet: Regular tablets without special coatings can usually be crushed and administered via an enteral tube. Crushing allows the medication to be dissolved or suspended for safe passage through the tube while maintaining therapeutic effect, provided the drug’s properties are compatible with enteral administration.
C. Buccal: Buccal medications are intended to dissolve slowly in the mouth for systemic absorption through the oral mucosa. Crushing buccal tablets for enteral administration alters absorption, onset, and effectiveness, making this inappropriate.
D. Sustained-release: Sustained-release (extended-release) formulations are designed to release the drug gradually over time. Crushing them results in rapid release of the full dose, increasing the risk of toxicity and reducing the intended therapeutic effect.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Try to convince Mr. Robertson to take the medication: Forcing or pressuring a patient undermines autonomy and may lead to noncompliance or distrust. Persuasion without understanding the patient’s concerns does not address the root cause of refusal and can violate ethical principles.
B. Explain to Mr. Robertson the reasons why he is taking the medication: Educating the patient is important, but education alone may not resolve refusal. Without first understanding the patient’s reasons for refusal, simply explaining the rationale may be ineffective or perceived as coercive.
C. Find out why Mr. Robertson does not want to take the medication and document his response: Assessing the patient’s reasoning respects autonomy, identifies potential barriers (such as side effects, fear, or misconceptions), and informs further nursing interventions. Documentation ensures a legal record of the refusal and guides collaborative care planning.
D. Do nothing, as it is the client's right to refuse: While the patient has the right to refuse medication, inaction ignores the nurse’s responsibility to assess the situation, provide education, and intervene if refusal places the patient at risk. Active engagement is required to balance patient rights with safe care.
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.