The patient is to receive 120 mg of PO Lasix (furosemide). The drug book states that the usual dosage is 20 to 40 mg. What steps should the nurse take to avoid medication errors in this situation? (Select all that apply.)

Only administer 40 mg.

Use at least two patient identifiers whenever administering a medication.

Read labels at least two times to make sure it is the correct medication.

Double-check all calculations.

Question unusually large or small doses.

Answer and Explanation

Correct Answer : B,C,D,E

A) Only administer 40 mg: This option is not appropriate without consulting the healthcare provider. Simply administering a smaller dose without confirming the rationale behind the prescribed 120 mg could result in inadequate treatment for the patient.

B) Use at least two patient identifiers whenever administering a medication: Utilizing two patient identifiers (such as name and date of birth) is essential to ensure that the medication is administered to the correct patient. This step is a key practice in medication safety to prevent errors.

C) Read labels at least two times to make sure it is the correct medication: Carefully reading labels at least twice helps confirm that the nurse is administering the correct medication and dosage. This practice reduces the risk of errors and ensures that the right drug is given.

D) Double-check all calculations: Verifying calculations is critical, especially when dealing with high doses or unusual orders. This step ensures accuracy in the dosage administered and helps prevent medication errors that could lead to toxicity or ineffective treatment.

E) Question unusually large or small doses: It is essential to question any dosage that appears significantly outside the usual range, such as the prescribed 120 mg of Lasix, which exceeds the standard dosing guidelines. Consulting with the healthcare provider for clarification is crucial in such cases to ensure patient safety.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) 1.5: Administering 1.5 mL of Amoxil would provide 37.5 mg of amoxicillin (125 mg per 5 mL translates to 25 mg per mL), which is insufficient to meet the ordered dose of 0.05 g (50 mg). Accurate dosing is essential for effective treatment.

B) 0.5: Giving 0.5 mL would result in only 12.5 mg of amoxicillin, which is significantly below the prescribed dose of 0.05 g. It's crucial to ensure the dose administered aligns with the healthcare provider's orders to achieve the desired therapeutic effect.

C) 2: Administering 2 mL of Amoxil is correct. At a concentration of 125 mg per 5 mL, this dosage provides 50 mg of amoxicillin (2 mL x 25 mg/mL = 50 mg), which meets the prescribed order and ensures proper treatment.

D) 1: One mL would deliver 25 mg of amoxicillin, which is still inadequate compared to the required dose of 50 mg. Proper dosing ensures the medication's efficacy while minimizing the risk of resistance and treatment failure.

A. Use an automated medication dispensing system. B. Avoid distractions and take time to prepare medications. C. Adhere to the 6 rights of medication administration. D. Only give medications to patients who are alert and oriented.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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.

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The patient is to receive 120 mg of PO Lasix (furosemide). The drug book states that the usual dosage is 20 to 40 mg. What steps should the nurse take to avoid medication errors in this situation? (Select all that apply.)

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The health care provider has ordered Amoxil (amoxicillin) 0.05 g, PO tid. Drug available: The nurse should give ____ mL for each dose.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

What is the best way for nurses to prevent medication errors?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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