A client receives a wrong medication. The nurse who made the medication error should take which of the following actions first?
Complete an incident report.
Notify the nurse manager.
Call the client's provider.
Assess the client.
The Correct Answer is D
A. While completing an incident report is important for documentation and quality improvement, it is not the immediate priority in the event of a medication error.
B. Notifying the nurse manager is a necessary step for reporting the error, but it should occur after ensuring the client's safety.
C. Calling the client's provider is essential to discuss the medication error and possible interventions, but the client's health and safety must be assessed first.
D. Assessing the client is the priority action to ensure the client’s safety and to identify any adverse effects resulting from the wrong medication. The nurse needs to determine the client's vital signs, level of consciousness, and any immediate symptoms related to the medication administered.
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View Related questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Determining the location of the pain is the first step, as it helps the nurse understand the nature and source of the pain, guiding appropriate intervention and medication administration.
B. Repositioning the client may provide comfort but should follow an assessment of the pain to ensure targeted interventions.
C. Administering the medication without understanding the specifics of the pain is inappropriate, as it may not adequately address the client’s needs.
D. Reviewing the effects of the pain medication is important but should occur after assessing the pain to ensure the correct medication is administered based on the client’s specific situation.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Contacting the pharmacy may provide information, but the nurse's primary responsibility is to clarify the prescription with the provider, as they ordered the medication.
B. Informing the charge nurse and administering the medication without verifying the dosage is inappropriate and could potentially harm the client.
C. Asking another nurse to verify the dosage is a good practice but does not address the need for clarification from the provider.
D. Contacting the provider to question the dosage is the correct action, as it ensures patient safety by confirming the appropriateness of the prescribed dose before administration.