Take full exam for free

A nurse is reviewing error prevention techniques that would have helped to avoid a medication error. Which technique is most effective?

Choice A rationale

Double-checking all dosage calculations is a crucial step in preventing medication errors. This process involves verifying the calculations to ensure the correct dose is administered. However, while important, it is not the most effective technique on its own. It must be combined with other strategies to ensure comprehensive error prevention.

Choice B rationale

Identifying unusually large or small doses is essential in preventing medication errors. This involves recognizing doses that fall outside the typical range for a given medication and patient population. However, this technique alone does not address other potential errors, such as patient misidentification or incorrect medication administration.

Choice C rationale

Comparing the medication label to the order is a fundamental step in preventing medication errors. This process ensures that the correct medication is being administered as per the physician’s order. However, this technique alone does not address other potential errors, such as incorrect dosage calculations or patient misidentification.

Choice D rationale

Using at least two client identifiers before administering a dose is the most effective technique in preventing medication errors. This process ensures that the correct patient is receiving the correct medication. It addresses the critical issue of patient misidentification, which is a common cause of medication errors. By confirming the patient’s identity using two identifiers, such as name and date of birth, the risk of administering medication to the wrong patient is significantly reduced.

Choice E rationale

Involving and educating clients in medication administration is an important strategy in preventing medication errors. Educated clients are more likely to understand their medication regimen and recognize potential errors. However, this technique alone does not address other potential errors, such as incorrect dosage calculations or patient misidentification.

Choice F rationale

Documenting all medication in the electronic record as soon as it is given is a crucial step in preventing medication errors. This process ensures that there is an accurate and up-to-date record of all medications administered. However, this technique alone does not address other potential errors, such as incorrect dosage calculations or patient misidentification.

Choice A rationale

Recording the client’s daily weight is not the most immediate concern for a terminally ill client who is weak, mouth breathing, and refusing anything to eat or drink. The priority is to address the client’s comfort and hydration.

Choice B rationale

Maintaining the client in high Fowler’s position may help with breathing but does not directly address the issue of dry mucous membranes.

Choice C rationale

Keeping mucous membranes moist is crucial for the comfort of a terminally ill client who is mouth breathing and refusing anything to eat or drink. This intervention helps prevent dryness and discomfort.

Choice D rationale

Reporting any change in urine color is important but not the most immediate concern for a terminally ill client in this condition. The priority is to address the client’s comfort and hydration.