A staff nurse reports a medication error due to failure to ...

[Haya94]

A staff nurse reports a medication error due to failure to administer a medication at the scheduled time. What is the charge nurse's best response?
 
  a. We'll conduct a root cause analysis.
  b. That means you'll have to do continuing education.
  c. Why did you let that happen?
  d. You'll need to tell the patient and family.

Question 2

To promote a safety culture, the nurse manager preparing the staff schedule considers the anticipated census in planning the number and experience of staff on any given shift. Which is the human factor primarily addressed with this consideration?
 
  a. Available supplies
  b. Interdisciplinary communication
  c. Interruptions in work
  d. Workload fluctuations

[flannelavenger]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
In a just culture the nurse is accountable for their actions and practice, but people are not punished for flawed systems. Through a strategy such as root cause analysis the reasons for errors in medication administration can be identified and strategies developed to minimize future occurrences. Requiring continued education may be an appropriate recommendation but not until data is collected about the event. Telling the patient is part of transparency and the sharing and disclosure among stakeholders, but it is generally the role of risk management staff, not the staff nurse.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Including an adequate number of staff members with experience caring for anticipated patients is a strategy to manage the workload and potential fluctuations. A safety culture requires organizational leadership (e.g., the nurse manager) that gives attention to human factors such as managing workload fluctuations. This strategy also applies principles of crew resource management in that it addresses workload distribution. Lack of supplies can create a challenge for safe care but could not be addressed with the schedule. Concerns with communication and coordination across disciplines, including power gradients, and excessive professional courtesy can create hazards but would not be the best answer. Strategies to minimize interruptions in work are essential but would not be the best answer in this situation.

[Haya94]

Both answers were spot on, thank you once again

[flannelavenger]

Great! Please up vote