A client is attempting to put pills in his mouth from a medicine cup and drops one pill on the bed sheet. The nurse should:
discard the pill and get another from the dose pack.
scoop up the pill in a soufflé cup and hand the cup to the client.
retrieve the pill from the linens and allow the client to take it.
report the loss of the pill as a medication error.
The Correct Answer is A
A) Discard the pill and get another from the dose pack: This option is the most appropriate action. Once a pill has fallen onto the bed linens, it may be contaminated and should not be administered to the client. The nurse should discard the dropped pill and provide a new one to ensure patient safety and maintain hygiene standards.
B) Scoop up the pill in a soufflé cup and hand the cup to the client: This action is inappropriate as it fails to address potential contamination. A pill that has fallen onto bedding may carry bacteria or other pathogens, so it should not be given to the client even if it is retrieved in a different container.
C) Retrieve the pill from the linens and allow the client to take it: This option is unsafe and violates infection control protocols. Giving a pill that has been dropped on bedding poses a risk of contamination and should be avoided.
D) Report the loss of the pill as a medication error: While reporting medication errors is important, in this case, the action taken (discarding the pill and providing a new one) aligns with best practices. The loss of one pill due to a drop does not constitute a medication error in the same sense as an administration mistake, so this option is not necessary.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Ask the client if he would prefer to give the medication to himself: While involving the client in their care is important, this option does not assess the client’s ability to safely take the medication. The nurse should first ensure that the client can swallow the medication safely.
B) Assess the swallowing reflex by offering a sip of water: This is the correct action. Assessing the swallowing reflex is essential, especially in older adults, to determine if they can safely swallow liquid medications without risk of aspiration.
C) Mix thoroughly in applesauce or pudding: This option is not appropriate unless specifically ordered or indicated. Mixing medications in food may not be suitable for all clients, and it can affect the medication's absorption or effectiveness. Additionally, it does not assess the client's swallowing ability.
D) Assess the ability to understand information relative to the medication: While this is important, it is secondary to ensuring that the client can physically take the medication safely. Assessing understanding can occur after confirming the client’s ability to swallow the medication.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) While administering the eye drops, a drop lands on the client's outer lid, so the client administers another drop: This action requires further teaching. If a drop lands outside the eye, the client should not administer another drop without first cleaning the area. It’s important to avoid excessive dosing and to ensure the medication is delivered properly.
B) The client cleans the eye from the inner to the outer canthus: This is the correct technique. Cleaning the eye from the inner canthus to the outer canthus helps prevent the spread of debris and ensures a clean area for administering drops.
C) The client looks upward toward the ceiling and administers the eye drops in the conjunctival sac: This action is appropriate. Looking upward helps expose the conjunctival sac, making it easier to administer the drops effectively.
D) The client touches the conjunctival sac with the eyedropper to make sure she is in the correct location: This action requires further teaching. Touching the conjunctival sac with the eyedropper can introduce bacteria and lead to contamination or injury. The client should be advised to keep the dropper tip away from the eye to maintain sterility and safety.