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 C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Metoclopramide is not used to suppress cough. It is primarily used to treat nausea, vomiting, and gastroparesis.
Choice B rationale
Metoclopramide does not have a primary effect on muscle relaxation. Its main action is to increase gastrointestinal motility.
Choice C rationale
Reduced nausea is a primary outcome for evaluating the effectiveness of metoclopramide. It is commonly prescribed to manage nausea and vomiting.
Choice D rationale
Metoclopramide is not typically used to decrease pain. Its primary indications are related to gastrointestinal symptoms.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Crushing hydroxychloroquine tablets can alter the drug’s release and absorption, potentially leading to suboptimal therapeutic effects or increased side effects.
Choice B rationale
Discontinuing hydroxychloroquine when symptoms subside can lead to a flare-up of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. It is important to continue the medication as prescribed to maintain disease control.
Choice C rationale
Regular eye exams are necessary while taking hydroxychloroquine because the medication can cause retinal toxicity, which can lead to vision changes or loss if not monitored and managed appropriately.
Choice D rationale
Taking a double dose of hydroxychloroquine can increase the risk of side effects and toxicity. It is important to take the medication as prescribed and not to double up on doses.