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
Immediate-release exenatide pens should be discarded 30 days after the first use, not two months. This ensures the medication remains effective and free from contamination.
Choice B rationale
Exenatide is administered subcutaneously, not intramuscularly. The preferred injection sites are the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
Choice C rationale
Open exenatide pens should be stored at room temperature, but this is not the most critical aspect of patient education. Proper storage ensures the medication’s stability and effectiveness.
Choice D rationale
Immediate-release exenatide should be taken one hour before morning and evening meals to optimize its glucose-lowering effects by enhancing insulin secretion in response to meals.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Crushing tadalafil is not recommended as it can alter the medication’s effectiveness and absorption. Tadalafil should be taken whole to ensure proper dosage and efficacy.
Choice B rationale
Tadalafil can decrease blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels, which allows for increased blood flow. This is a known effect of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors like tadalafil.
Choice C rationale
Tadalafil should not be taken more than once a day. Taking it twice a day can increase the risk of side effects and is not recommended.
Choice D rationale
The effects of tadalafil can last up to 36 hours, not just 4 hours. This prolonged duration is one of the reasons it is preferred by some patients.