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.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is ["A","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Muscle weakness is a common symptom of hypokalemia due to decreased potassium levels affecting muscle function.
Choice B rationale
Hyperactive bowel sounds can indicate hypokalemia because potassium is essential for normal gastrointestinal motility. Low potassium levels can lead to increased activity in the intestines, resulting in hyperactive bowel sounds.
Choice C rationale
Tingling of fingers, or paresthesia, can be a symptom of hypokalemia, as low potassium levels may affect nerve conduction. This results in abnormal sensations like tingling or numbness.
Choice D rationale
Peaked T waves are more commonly associated with hyperkalemia rather than hypokalemia. Therefore, this option would not indicate hypokalemia. However, a nurse should be vigilant about monitoring potassium levels as both conditions can lead to significant cardiovascular effects.
Choice E rationale
Fatigue is another symptom of hypokalemia as low potassium levels can impair cellular function and energy production.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that rapidly reverses the effects of opioid overdose, including respiratory depression. It binds to opioid receptors and displaces the opioid molecules, reversing their effects.
Choice B rationale
Bisacodyl is a stimulant laxative used to treat constipation. It does not have any effect on opioid-induced respiratory depression.
Choice C rationale
Flumazenil is a benzodiazepine antagonist used to reverse the effects of benzodiazepines, not opioids. It is not effective in treating opioid-induced respiratory depression.
Choice D rationale
Pentazocine is an opioid agonist-antagonist used for pain relief. It does not reverse opioid-induced respiratory depression and can potentially worsen the condition.