You are a nurse educator assisting in preparing an in-service program about preventing medication errors when transcribing orders. The nurse is using a dosage example of 5 tenths of a milliliter. Which of the following dosages shows correct transcription of the dose?
0.5 mL
.5 mL
5.0 mL
0.50 mL
The Correct Answer is A
A. 0.5 mL.: This transcription is correct because it uses a leading zero before the decimal point and omits any trailing zeros. This format prevents misreading the dose as 5 mL and follows safe medication documentation standards recommended by The Joint Commission.
B. .5 mL.: Writing a dose without a leading zero increases the risk of a tenfold dosing error. The decimal point could be easily overlooked, leading to the administration of 5 mL instead of 0.5 mL, which may cause serious harm.
C. 5.0 mL.: Including a trailing zero after a whole number is unsafe because it can be misread as 50 mL. This error could result in administering an excessive dose and must be avoided in all medication documentation.
D. 0.50 mL.: Although the leading zero is correct, the trailing zero after the decimal is unnecessary and unsafe. It increases the potential for misinterpretation and dosing errors, making this format noncompliant with medication safety guidelines.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. STAT order.: A STAT order indicates that a medication should be administered immediately, often in urgent or emergency situations. Since ampicillin is prescribed at regular intervals every 6 hours, this order does not fit the criteria for a STAT medication.
B. Routine order.: A routine order is a standing prescription given at specific, regular times until it is discontinued or changed by the provider. The instruction to give ampicillin 500 mg orally every 6 hours represents a scheduled, ongoing medication regimen, making it a routine order.
C. One time order.: A one-time order refers to a single administration of a medication for a specific purpose, such as a preoperative antibiotic dose. The repeated schedule in this case indicates continued dosing rather than a one-time administration.
D. PRN order.: A PRN (as needed) order is administered only when specific symptoms occur, such as pain or nausea. Since this order specifies fixed timing rather than symptom-based dosing, it is not classified as PRN.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. "You won't get better unless you take the medication.": This response uses a directive and judgmental tone. It focuses on compliance rather than exploring the client’s feelings or reasons for refusing treatment, which may cause the client to become defensive.
B. "I always do what the doctor tells me to do.": This response shifts the focus away from the client and provides no opportunity for therapeutic communication. It minimizes the client’s concerns and discourages open dialogue about their reasoning or emotional state regarding medication refusal.
C. "Why don't you want to take the medication?": Although this question seeks to understand the client’s perspective, the phrasing is direct and may sound confrontational. It could make the client feel pressured or judged rather than supported in sharing their feelings or fears.
D. "Tell me more about this decision.": This response because it invites the client to express their thoughts, feelings, and concerns in a nonjudgmental way. It encourages open communication and allows the nurse to assess the underlying reason for noncompliance, such as side effects or fear.
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