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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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Discarding the tablet and obtaining another dose is the safest option, as it ensures the medication's integrity and prevents any potential contamination.
B. Using the tablet's packaging to pick it up is not appropriate as it could introduce contaminants from the surface of the counter to the tablet.
C. Washing the tablet with alcohol is not advisable because it could alter the medication's properties or effectiveness.
D. Placing the tablet directly into a medication cup without addressing its contamination would also be inappropriate and could jeopardize client safety.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Performing the final medication check in the area where the medication was obtained does not ensure the correct patient is receiving the medication.
B. Documenting after administration does not allow for a final check of the medication against the patient’s identity and allergies.
C. Performing the final check at the client's bedside before administration allows the nurse to confirm the patient's identity, the medication's appropriateness, and the dosage immediately before giving it.
D. Reviewing the prescription at the nurses' station may not account for patient-specific factors that need to be confirmed at the bedside.