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 A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Vomiting is a common sign of digoxin toxicity. Other symptoms include nausea, confusion, and visual disturbances.
Choice B rationale
Dilated pupils are not a typical sign of digoxin toxicity. Symptoms are more related to gastrointestinal and cardiac effects.
Choice C rationale
Bruising is not directly associated with digoxin toxicity. It may indicate other issues such as coagulopathy.
Choice D rationale
Peripheral edema is not a specific sign of digoxin toxicity. It is more commonly associated with heart failure.
Correct Answer is ["C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Monitoring glucose levels is not typically necessary for patients receiving gentamicin, as it does not significantly affect glucose metabolism.
Choice B rationale
Prothrombin time is not commonly affected by gentamicin, so routine monitoring is not required.
Choice C rationale
Serum creatinine levels should be monitored to assess kidney function, as gentamicin can cause nephrotoxicity.
Choice D rationale
Cardiac enzymes are not typically affected by gentamicin, so routine monitoring is not necessary.
Choice E rationale
Monitoring WBC count is important to detect any signs of infection or bone marrow suppression, which can occur with gentamicin use.