A nurse is teaching a group of newly licensed nurses about the prevention of medication errors. Which of the following factors should the nurse identify as the most frequent cause of fatal medication errors?
Incorrect packaging, such as a topical medication packaged as an oral medication.
Delivery device problems, such as an infusion pump malfunction.
Name confusion between two medications with similar sounding names.
Incorrect labeling of a medication dispensed by the pharmacy.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Incorrect packaging, such as a topical medication packaged as an oral medication, can lead to medication errors. However, it is not the most frequent cause of fatal medication errors. Packaging errors are relatively rare and usually caught before administration.
Choice B rationale
Delivery device problems, such as an infusion pump malfunction, can cause medication errors. These errors can be serious but are not the most frequent cause of fatal medication errors. Device malfunctions are often detected and corrected by healthcare professionals.
Choice C rationale
Name confusion between two medications with similar sounding names is the most frequent cause of fatal medication errors. This type of error occurs when medications with similar names are confused, leading to the administration of the wrong drug. This can have serious and sometimes fatal consequences.
Choice D rationale
Incorrect labeling of a medication dispensed by the pharmacy can lead to medication errors. While labeling errors are a significant concern, they are not the most frequent cause of fatal medication errors. These errors are often identified and corrected before administration.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Folic acid is not primarily used to stimulate the immune system. Its main role is in the production of red blood cells and DNA synthesis.
Choice B rationale
Folic acid does not increase the absorption of other medications. It is used to prevent and treat folate deficiency.
Choice C rationale
Folic acid is not used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia. It is important for cell growth and the production of red blood cells.
Choice D rationale
Folic acid is crucial for the building of blood cells and is especially important during periods of rapid cell division, such as pregnancy.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Experiencing a rash while taking allopurinol is not harmless. It can be a sign of a serious allergic reaction, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis.
Choice B rationale
Increasing fluid intake is crucial when taking allopurinol. It helps to prevent kidney stones and ensures that uric acid is effectively excreted from the body.
Choice C rationale
Increasing dietary fiber intake is not specifically related to the use of allopurinol. While fiber is beneficial for overall health, it does not directly impact the effectiveness or safety of allopurinol.
Choice D rationale
Taking one dose every hour until the pain subsides is incorrect and dangerous. Allopurinol should be taken as prescribed by a healthcare provider, typically once or twice daily.