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

Use an automated medication dispensing system.

Avoid distractions and take time to prepare medications.

Adhere to the 6 rights of medication administration.

Only give medications to patients who are alert and oriented.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

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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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A) 2: Administering 2 mL of Compazine would provide a total dose of 10 mg (since the concentration is 5 mg/mL), which exceeds the ordered dose of 2.5 mg. This option is incorrect as it would administer too much medication.

B) 1.5: This option suggests giving 1.5 mL, which would equate to 7.5 mg (1.5 mL x 5 mg/mL). This dosage also exceeds the ordered 2.5 mg and is therefore not appropriate.

C) 1: Administering 1 mL would deliver 5 mg of Compazine. This amount is higher than the prescribed 2.5 mg and is not the correct dose.

D) 0.5: This option is correct. Administering 0.5 mL of Compazine would provide a dose of 2.5 mg (0.5 mL x 5 mg/mL). This matches the ordered dosage perfectly, ensuring that the patient receives the correct amount of medication.

A. 1.5 B. 2 C. 0.5 D. 1

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) 1.5: Administering 1.5 tablets of allopurinol would total 150 mg, which exceeds the prescribed dose of 0.05 g (50 mg). Dosing in fractions of tablets can be confusing and is not a typical practice unless the medication is specifically scored for division.

B) 2: Giving 2 tablets would amount to 200 mg, which is significantly higher than the prescribed dose of 50 mg. It's crucial to ensure that the dosage adheres to the healthcare provider's orders to avoid potential toxicity or adverse effects.

C) 0.5: Administering 0.5 tablet (50 mg) is correct. Since the available tablet is 100 mg, cutting it in half will yield the prescribed dose of 0.05 g. This is a safe and effective way to deliver the required medication without exceeding the prescribed limit.

D) 1: One tablet of allopurinol would deliver 100 mg, which is double the prescribed dosage of 0.05 g. It's essential for the nurse to accurately calculate the medication to ensure patient safety and therapeutic effectiveness.

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

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The health care provider has ordered prochlorperazine (Compazine) 2.5 mg IM q4h prn. The medication available is Compazine 5 mg/mL. The nurse should give ___ mL for each dose.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The health care provider has ordered allopurinol 0.05 g PO BID. Drug available: The nurse should give _____ tablet(s) for each dose.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The health care provider has ordered Amikin (amikacin) 500 mg, IM q8h. Drug available: The nurse should give___mL for each dose.

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.)

The health care provider has ordered amoxicillin 250 mg PO q8h. The drug label states 125 mg amoxicillin per 5 mL. Based on this information, which of the following would be correct actions by the nurse? (Select all that apply.)

Which of the following patients are at risk for developing drug toxicity? (Select all that apply.)

The patient who is to receive a medication BID will receive the medication:

If the patient refuses a medication, what should the nurse do? (Select all that apply.)

The home care nurse is reviewing the patient's prescribed medications. The patient reports he doesn't take his antihypertensive (blood pressure) medication anymore. What is the best response by the nurse?