A nurse is reviewing error prevention techniques that would have helped to avoid a medication error. Which technique is most effective?
Double check all dosage calculations.
nusually large or small doses.
Compare the medication label to the order.
Use at least 2 client identifiers before administering a dose.
Involve and educate clients in medication administration.
The Correct Answer is D
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.
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View Related questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Removing dentures or other oral appliances is not the most critical intervention for a client with severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who has received an opioid analgesic. The priority is to ensure airway patency.
Choice B rationale
Elevating the head of the bed to a 45-degree angle can help improve airway patency but is not as effective as applying the positive airway pressure device.
Choice C rationale
Applying the client’s positive airway pressure device (CPAP or BiPAP) is the most important intervention because it directly maintains airway patency and prevents respiratory compromise, which is crucial for a client with severe OSA2.
Choice D rationale
Putting and locking the side rails in place is important for safety but does not address the critical need to maintain airway patency in a client with severe OSA.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Withdrawing the medication into a syringe and labeling it with the client’s name is not necessary and could lead to errors or contamination.
Choice B rationale
Asking another nurse to witness the medication being discarded ensures proper documentation, accountability, and compliance with regulations.
Choice C rationale
Placing the vial with the remainder of the medication into a locked drawer does not address the need for proper documentation and labeling of the remaining medication.
Choice D rationale
Throwing the vial into the trash in the presence of another nurse is not appropriate as it does not ensure proper documentation, accountability, or safe storage of the remaining medication.