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","B","C"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Peripheral edema is a common adverse effect of verapamil. It occurs due to the vasodilatory effects of the medication, which can cause fluid retention in the extremities.
Choice B rationale
Bradycardia is an adverse effect of verapamil. It occurs because verapamil slows down the heart rate by blocking calcium channels in the heart.
Choice C rationale
Constipation is a common adverse effect of verapamil. It occurs due to the medication’s effect on smooth muscle relaxation, which can slow down gastrointestinal motility.
Choice D rationale
Reports of blurred vision are not a common adverse effect of verapamil. Blurred vision is not typically associated with this medication.
Choice E rationale
Reports of insomnia are not a common adverse effect of verapamil. Insomnia is not typically associated with this medication.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Hyperglycemia is not a common adverse effect of colesevelam. Colesevelam is primarily used to lower cholesterol levels and can also help control blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Choice B rationale
Stomatitis, or inflammation of the mouth, is not typically associated with colesevelam. This medication works in the intestines and is not absorbed into the bloodstream, so it does not commonly cause systemic side effects.
Choice C rationale
Fever is not a known adverse effect of colesevelam. The medication’s side effects are generally limited to the gastrointestinal system.
Choice D rationale
Constipation is a common adverse effect of colesevelam. This medication binds to bile acids in the intestines, which can lead to gastrointestinal side effects such as constipation.