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 D
Explanation
A. Applying the pulse oximeter to a finger may not be ideal due to edema, which can affect the accuracy of the reading.
B. Using a skin fold is not a typical location for pulse oximetry and may not provide accurate readings.
C. Applying the probe to a toe may be less effective if the toenails are thickened, potentially affecting blood flow to that area and the accuracy of the reading.
D. The earlobe is a suitable alternative for measuring oxygen saturation, particularly in cases where peripheral sites (like fingers or toes) are compromised.
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.