The responsibilities of the nurse regarding medication administration in the acute care setting include all except:
Having up-to-date knowledge about medications
Administering medications
Prescribing medications
Preparing medications
The Correct Answer is C
A. Having up-to-date knowledge about medications.: Nurses must maintain current knowledge of pharmacologic principles, including indications, contraindications, side effects, and interactions, to ensure safe and effective medication administration.
B. Administering medications.: Administering medications is a core nursing responsibility in the acute care setting. The nurse ensures the right drug, dose, route, time, and patient, while also monitoring for therapeutic effects and adverse reactions.
C. Prescribing medications.: Nurses generally do not prescribe medications unless they hold advanced practice roles with prescriptive authority, such as nurse practitioners. In most settings, prescribing is the responsibility of physicians or qualified prescribers.
D. Preparing medications.: Preparing medications accurately is part of the nurse’s role to ensure proper dosing and prevent administration errors. This includes verifying orders, calculating doses, and maintaining aseptic technique during preparation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Going to lunch: Leaving the patient after a medication error delays timely assessment and intervention, increasing risk of harm.
B. Finishing documentation for other patients: Prioritizing other tasks before assessing the affected patient neglects immediate safety responsibilities.
C. Calling the nurse's lawyer: Legal consultation is not the priority in a patient care emergency; clinical action must come first.
D. Assess the patient: The nurse’s first priority is to assess the client for adverse effects or changes in condition to ensure prompt intervention and patient safety.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Anticoagulants.: Anticoagulants such as heparin and warfarin are high-alert medications because dosing or administration errors can lead to life-threatening bleeding or thromboembolic events. They require close monitoring of coagulation parameters.
B. Chemotherapeutic agents.: Chemotherapy drugs are classified as high-alert due to their narrow therapeutic index and potential for severe toxicity. Even small dosing or timing errors can cause significant harm, including bone marrow suppression and organ damage.
C. Opioids.: Opioids are high-alert medications because of their potential to cause respiratory depression, sedation, and overdose when administered incorrectly. Careful dosage calculation and monitoring are essential, particularly in opioid-naïve clients.
D. Antihistamines.: Antihistamines are generally considered low-risk medications and are not classified as high-alert. While they may cause drowsiness or mild anticholinergic effects, these are rarely life-threatening, making them comparatively safer.
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.