Share This Link

Schedule II drugs, such as morphine and oxycodone, have a high potential for abuse and dependence but are recognized for their accepted medical uses under strict prescribing guidelines.

Schedule III substances, like ketamine, have a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence and accepted medical uses in the U.S., making them less restricted than Schedules I and II.

Schedule V drugs, such as cough preparations containing less than 200 mg of codeine, have the lowest potential for abuse and accepted therapeutic uses, making them the least regulated controlled substances.

Acetaminophen is widely used for pain and fever management and is not categorized as a high-alert medication; while overdose can cause hepatotoxicity, it is not typically associated with immediate life-threatening administration errors.

Loratadine is an over-the-counter antihistamine used for allergy relief and does not carry the same level of risk if mis-administered, so it is not listed as a high-alert drug.

Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor used for acid reflux and ulcers. Although improper use can lead to side effects, it does not pose an immediate, life-threatening risk, unlike high-alert medications.

Completing an incident report is an important part of the medication error process but is not the first priority. Immediate patient safety takes precedence over documentation, which is completed later.

Documentation of the error in the patient’s chart is required for transparency and continuity of care but should occur after the nurse ensures the patient’s safety and informs the healthcare provider.

Informing the nursing supervisor is part of the reporting process but does not address the urgent need to evaluate and manage the patient’s condition immediately following the error.

Hypertension is not a common adverse effect of gentamicin. This antibiotic is more likely to affect the kidneys and the auditory system rather than blood pressure regulation.

Hyperglycemia is unrelated to gentamicin use. Blood sugar disturbances are not typically associated with aminoglycoside antibiotics like gentamicin.

Constipation is not a common side effect of gentamicin therapy. Gastrointestinal effects are possible but ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity are the most significant concerns.

Animal studies showing no risk but lacking human studies describe Pregnancy Category B, not Category D. Category D reflects known evidence of human fetal risk, not absence of risk in animals.

Risk in animals with no adequate human studies describes Pregnancy Category C. Category D is based on human data showing potential harm, making it more severe than Category C.

Proven fetal risk with strong contraindication for use in pregnancy describes Pregnancy Category X, not Category D. Category X medications should never be used in pregnancy due to clear evidence of fetal harm.