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Which action demonstrates compliance with the “Right Patient” principle?

A.

Verifying the patient’s diagnosis before administration

B.

Confirming two patient identifiers before giving medication

C.

Calculating the correct dosage range

D.

Administering medications on time

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

The Right Patient principle is a fundamental part of safe medication administration. It requires nurses to confirm two patient identifiers, such as the patient’s full name and date of birth, before giving any medication. This practice prevents medication errors caused by misidentification and ensures that the intended patient receives the correct medication, safeguarding patient safety and care quality.

Rationale for correct answer:

2. Confirming two patient identifiers, such as the patient's full name and date of birth, is the essential action for ensuring the medication is given to the correct person, in compliance with the Right Patient principle.

Rationale for incorrect answer:

1. Verifying the patient’s diagnosis helps ensure the medication is appropriate, but it does not directly confirm the patient's identity before administering the drug.

3. Calculating the correct dosage range ensures the Right Dose is administered but does not address confirming the patient’s identity, which is the focus of the Right Patient principle.

4. Administering medications on time fulfills the Right Time requirement but does not verify the patient’s identity, which is critical before any administration.

Take-home points:

  • The Right Patient principle requires confirming two identifiers, such as name and date of birth.
  • Verifying patient identity prevents medication errors caused by misidentification.
  • Other rights like Right Dose or Right Time are important but do not replace identity verification.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The generic name of a medication is the official, universally recognized name assigned by the United States Adopted Names Council (USAN). Unlike the trade (brand) name, which may vary by manufacturer or country, the generic name remains consistent worldwide. Nurses must prioritize the generic name when verifying, administering, and documenting medications to ensure accuracy and prevent medication errors.

Rationale for correct answer:

3. The generic name is the official, universally recognized name assigned by the United States Adopted Names Council. It is used consistently across healthcare settings to promote safety and clarity.

Rationale for incorrect answer:

1. The brand name given by the manufacturer refers to the trade or proprietary name, which is selected for marketing purposes and can vary between companies and countries.

2. The molecular structure of the drug refers to the chemical name, which describes the drug’s exact chemical composition and structure, not the generic name.

4. The trade name used in marketing is the brand name given by the pharmaceutical company to promote the drug commercially, distinct from its generic designation.

Take-home points:

  • The generic name is the official drug name assigned by the United States Adopted Names Council.
  • Generic names are consistent worldwide, unlike trade names which may vary.
  • Nurses should verify and document medications using the generic name to prevent errors.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Glipizide is an oral antidiabetic medication classified as a sulfonylurea, commonly used to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus. Its mechanism of action involves stimulating the pancreatic islet cells (beta cells) to release insulin, thereby lowering blood glucose levels. Nurses must understand this pharmacological action to monitor for hypoglycemia, educate patients on timing of doses with meals, and assess blood glucose levels regularly.

Rationale for correct answer:

2. Glipizide stimulates pancreatic islet cells, specifically beta cells, to release insulin, which lowers blood glucose levels. This describes its pharmacological action and explains how it achieves its therapeutic effect in managing type 2 diabetes.

Rationale for incorrect answer:

1. Morphine sulfate causes constipation because it slows gastrointestinal motility by acting on opioid receptors in the gut. This is a common side effect rather than an explanation of the drug’s therapeutic action.

3. Tetracycline stains developing teeth in children because it binds to calcium in developing bones and teeth, leading to discoloration. This is an adverse effect rather than how the drug works against bacteria.

4. Digoxin toxicity increases with hypokalemia because low potassium levels enhance digoxin’s binding to cardiac tissue, increasing its effects and the risk of dysrhythmias. This reflects a condition that worsens toxicity rather than explaining how the drug works.

Take-home points:

  • A medication’s mechanism of action explains how it produces its intended therapeutic effect.
  • Glipizide lowers blood glucose by stimulating insulin release from pancreatic beta cells.
  • Side effects and toxicity risks are different from the drug’s mechanism of action.

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