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.
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]
Explanation
A. By looking at the MAR: The Medication Administration Record (MAR) is primarily for documenting medications administered, and while it may note some allergies, it is not a comprehensive source for a patient's allergy history.
B. By asking the patient: Directly inquiring about a patient's allergies is one of the most effective methods to gather accurate and specific information. Patients can detail their allergies to medications, foods, and other substances, which might not be documented elsewhere.
C. By looking at the patient's allergy bracelet: An allergy bracelet provides immediate visual identification of known allergies. It serves as an important safety mechanism for healthcare providers to avoid administering any allergens.
D. By looking at the front of the chart or in the patient's electronic health record (EHR): This is a reliable way to find documented allergies. The front of the chart or the EHR often contains essential information about a patient's allergies, which helps inform safe medication administration and treatment planning.
E. By administering a dose and monitoring the patient's response: This method is unsafe and inappropriate. Administering a medication without prior knowledge of allergies could lead to serious and potentially life-threatening reactions. It is critical to know allergy history before any medication administration
Correct Answer is ["B","D","E"]
Explanation
A) 16-year-old female, who has had vomiting and diarrhea: While vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, this scenario alone does not directly indicate an increased risk of drug toxicity. However, it could affect drug absorption and excretion, so monitoring may be warranted.
B) 65-year-old male, who has been on high doses of antibiotics for 3 weeks: Prolonged use of high doses of antibiotics can increase the risk of toxicity, particularly if the patient has underlying kidney or liver issues. Extended antibiotic use can also disrupt normal gut flora, potentially leading to adverse effects or superinfections.
C) 75-year-old female, who swallowed Caladryl lotion: While ingesting topical medications can pose risks, it does not necessarily indicate a significant risk for systemic drug toxicity unless large quantities are involved. This patient’s risk would depend on the amount ingested and her overall health status.
D) 43-year-old male, who has liver failure: Patients with liver failure are at a heightened risk for drug toxicity because the liver plays a crucial role in drug metabolism. Impaired liver function can lead to accumulation of medications, increasing the likelihood of adverse effects.
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