Which statement by the LVN indicates correct practice when an IV medication label differs from the MAR?
Ask the client which dose they usually take
Administer it anyway because the order was placed yesterday
Change the MAR to match the label
Hold the medication and clarify the discrepancy before administration
The Correct Answer is D
Rationale:
A. Ask the client which dose they usually take is incorrect because the client is not a reliable source for verifying IV medication dosages. Medication administration must always follow the provider’s order and MAR, not patient memory or preferences.
B. Administer it anyway because the order was placed yesterday is incorrect because administering a medication with a label that does not match the MAR is unsafe. Doing so could result in medication errors, overdosing, or underdosing, which can be harmful or fatal.
C. Change the MAR to match the label is incorrect because the MAR is a legal document reflecting the provider’s order. Altering it without proper verification is unsafe and violates policy.
D. Hold the medication and clarify the discrepancy before administration is correct. The LVN should verify the correct medication, dose, and route with the provider or pharmacy before giving the IV medication. This ensures patient safety and adherence to the “five rights” of medication administration (right patient, right drug, right dose, right route, right time).
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Fluid volume overload is incorrect because it affects the whole circulatory system, not just the IV site. Signs include edema, hypertension, distended neck veins, dyspnea, and crackles in the lungs, not localized redness, warmth, or pain at the insertion site.
B. Infiltration is incorrect because infiltration occurs when non-vesicant IV fluid enters the surrounding tissue. It usually presents as cool skin, swelling, and pallor around the site, not warmth and redness.
C. Extravasation is incorrect because extravasation involves leakage of vesicant (tissue-damaging) medications into surrounding tissue, causing pain, swelling, and possible tissue necrosis. While some signs overlap, redness and warmth alone without tissue damage is more characteristic of phlebitis.
D. Phlebitis is correct because phlebitis is inflammation of the vein. It is characterized by redness, warmth, swelling, pain along the vein, and sometimes a palpable cord. Causes include mechanical irritation from the catheter, chemical irritation from IV fluids or medications, or infection. Prompt recognition and action, such as removing the IV, applying warm compresses, and monitoring for infection, are necessary to prevent complications.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Prevent medication incompatibility and ensure delivery is correct because flushing the IV line with saline before administration clears the line of residual fluids or medications that could interact with the new medication, preventing chemical incompatibilities. Flushing after medication administration ensures the entire dose reaches the bloodstream and clears the line of any remaining medication, reducing the risk of incomplete dosing or drug interactions. This practice maintains medication efficacy and patient safety.
B. Improve venous circulation is incorrect because flushing does not significantly improve blood flow. Its purpose is line maintenance and safety, not altering circulation.
C. Reduce client discomfort is incorrect because flushing may cause minimal sensation, but the primary purpose is not comfort. Discomfort can occur if the flush is too rapid or if there is resistance in the line.
D. Increase medication absorption is incorrect because IV medications are already delivered directly into the bloodstream, so flushing does not affect absorption. Its purpose is line maintenance, compatibility, and ensuring complete medication delivery.
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