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. Obtaining the client's consent is the responsibility of the provider, not the nurse. The nurse should ensure the client is informed but cannot independently obtain consent.
B. It is not within the nurse's scope of practice to explain the procedure in detail; this is the responsibility of the healthcare provider. The nurse can clarify information if the client has questions but should not assume the role of the educator regarding the procedure.
C. Witnessing the client's signature is an appropriate action for the nurse once the client has received information from the provider and understands the procedure, as it confirms that the client voluntarily consents.
D. Explaining the risks and benefits of the procedure is also the responsibility of the healthcare provider, as they are the ones performing the procedure and are qualified to discuss it in detail.
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.