A nurse is caring for four clients. After administering morning medications, she realizes that the nifedipine prescribed for one client was inadvertently administered to another client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Fill out an occurrence form.
Administer the medication to the correct client.
Notify the client's provider.
Check the client's vital signs.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Filling out an occurrence form is necessary for documentation and accountability but is not the immediate priority after a medication error.
B. Administering the medication to the correct client should be done, but first, the nurse must ensure the safety and well-being of the client who received the wrong medication.
C. Notifying the client's provider is essential, but the nurse should first assess the client's condition to determine if any immediate actions are necessary.
D. Checking the client's vital signs is the first action the nurse should take to assess the client's current condition and any potential adverse effects from receiving the incorrect medication.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Giving the medication that is expired poses a risk to the client, as the safety and efficacy of the medication cannot be guaranteed past its expiration date.
B. Returning the medication to the pharmacy may not be feasible in this scenario; proper disposal is generally the nurse's responsibility for expired medications.
C. Discarding the medication is the appropriate action to ensure client safety, as expired medications should not be administered.
D. Notifying the provider is unnecessary in this case; the nurse's responsibility is to discard the expired medication and prepare a new dose that is within its expiration date.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Mixing medications can alter their effectiveness and increase the risk of tube blockage. Each medication should be administered separately.
B. Flushing the NG tube with 30 mL of water after administering medications is important to ensure that the medications are cleared from the tube and absorbed properly by the patient. This also helps to prevent tube occlusion.
C. Diluting medications may not be necessary for all liquid medications, and it depends on the specific medication's guidelines. Each medication should be administered as directed.
D. The head of the bed should be elevated during and after medication administration to prevent aspiration. Keeping it flat is not recommended.