When leaving a client's room, the practical nurse (PN) realizes that the wrong medications were given to the client. What action should the PN take?
Observe the client closely for one hour.
Give an antidote to the medication.
Ask if the client can spit out the medication.
Report the error to the pharmacy.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Observe the client closely for one hour: The immediate priority after a wrong medication is to monitor the client for adverse reactions or side effects. Close observation allows the PN to detect early signs of toxicity or complications and respond promptly.
B. Give an antidote to the medication: Administering an antidote is only appropriate if the medication has a known reversal agent and the client demonstrates symptoms. Giving one preemptively without signs can be unsafe.
C. Ask if the client can spit out the medication: Once a medication has been swallowed, it cannot reliably be removed, making this intervention ineffective and unsafe.
D. Report the error to the pharmacy: Reporting is necessary as part of follow-up and documentation, but the first action is to ensure client safety through observation and assessment before initiating reporting procedures.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Suggest going to the nurses' lounge if she needs to discuss these topics: Redirecting the colleague to a private area maintains workplace decorum, protects client confidentiality, and upholds the professional image of nursing without escalating the situation unnecessarily.
B. Determine if the conversation was overheard by the clients: While it may be helpful to assess whether clients or visitors overheard the discussion, this action does not address the unprofessional behavior directly.
C. Ask the PN to lower her voice when visitors walk by: Merely lowering her voice does not resolve the issue of inappropriate conversation topics in a professional setting. The goal is to move the discussion to a private area, not simply make it quieter.
D. Report the situation to the nursing supervisor or peer review committee: Reporting to a supervisor should be reserved for repeated or severe unprofessional conduct. In this case, a direct and respectful peer intervention is sufficient and aligns with collegial accountability.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Which medication works best?: While understanding medication effectiveness is important for ongoing management, it does not provide immediate insight into the content or risk associated with the hallucinations. Assessment of current hallucinations takes priority.
B. When are the voices most disturbing?: Identifying patterns of symptom severity can help plan interventions, but it does not reveal the content or potential danger of the hallucinations, which is critical for safety assessment.
C. What are the voices uttering?: Determining what the voices are saying is essential to assess the risk of harm to self or others. The content can indicate commands, threats, or distressing messages, guiding immediate safety interventions and care planning.
D. How does the client cope with the voices?: Understanding coping strategies is valuable for long-term care and therapeutic support, but it is secondary to assessing the immediate content and potential danger of the hallucinations.
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