What is the best practice for identifying a pediatric patient before medication administration?
Check the name on the child's wristband only.
Ask the child to state their name and age.
Use two types of identifiers, such as the child's name and date of birth.
Ask the parent to confirm the child's identity.
The Correct Answer is C
Patient safety during medication administration is rooted in the prevention of medical errors. Applying the six rights of medication administration requires reliable verification methods. Understanding the limitations of pediatric clients necessitates using standardized, multiple identifiers to ensure the correct recipient.
Choice A rationale
Checking only the wristband is insufficient because errors in labeling or transcription can occur. Using a single point of verification increases the risk of administering medication to the wrong client, especially in high-volume or high-stress pediatric environments.
Choice B rationale
Pediatric clients may be developmentally unable to provide accurate information or may answer to a different name if they are confused or playful. Relying solely on the child's verbal response is not a safe or standardized practice.
Choice C rationale
Utilizing two distinct identifiers is the gold standard for patient safety. Comparing the name and date of birth (DOB) on the medication record with the client's wristband ensures the highest level of accuracy and error prevention.
Choice D rationale
While parents are valuable resources, the nurse has a professional responsibility to verify identifiers against the official medical record. Parental confirmation should supplement, not replace, the systematic checking of the client's hospital identification band and record..
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Managing a sickle cell crisis necessitates understanding the pathophysiology of vaso-occlusive events. Priority is placed on reversing sickling by improving perfusion and oxygenation. Knowledge of fluid resuscitation and pain management protocols is critical to prevent permanent tissue damage and complications.
Choice A rationale
Adequate pain management is essential during a crisis because the pain is severe due to tissue ischemia. Withholding analgesics is unethical and physiologically harmful, as uncontrolled pain can increase metabolic demands and worsen the overall clinical condition.
Choice B rationale
Physical exertion increases oxygen consumption and can worsen the sickling of red blood cells. During an acute crisis, the client should remain on bed rest to minimize metabolic demands and prevent further vaso-occlusive events in the peripheral vasculature.
Choice C rationale
Hydration reduces blood viscosity, which is vital for preventing the sickling of red blood cells (normal RBC lifespan is 120 days). IV fluids help dilute the concentration of sickle cells, improving blood flow through obstructed vessels and tissues.
Choice D rationale
Cold temperatures cause vasoconstriction, which further impairs blood flow and promotes sickling. Warm compresses are preferred because they promote vasodilation and improve circulation to the affected areas, whereas cold applications would increase the risk of localized tissue infarction.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Applying pain assessment tools requires knowledge of pediatric cognitive development. The nurse must select a scale that matches the child's ability to understand symbolic representations and correlate their internal sensation of pain with external visual aids like simplified facial expressions.
Choice A rationale
Adolescents aged 13 to 18 possess the abstract thinking skills required to use a Numeric Rating Scale from 0 to 10. Using a picture-based scale is developmentally inappropriate for this group, as they can accurately quantify pain intensity numerically.
Choice B rationale
Adults are expected to use the Numeric Rating Scale or Visual Analog Scale for pain assessment. The FACES scale is specifically designed for pediatric populations who cannot yet perform the complex cognitive task of assigning a number to pain.
Choice C rationale
Children in this age range are in the preoperational stage of development and can identify with facial expressions. The scale allows them to point to a face that matches their feeling, making it a reliable tool for pain assessment.
Choice D rationale
Infants under 1 year are non-verbal and cannot use self-report tools like the FACES scale. Pain in infants must be assessed using behavioral and physiological tools such as the FLACC scale or the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale..
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