A nurse is administering a scheduled medication to a client using ...

[Jkov05]

A nurse is administering a scheduled medication to a client using the institution's bar code system. The nurse has scanned the client's armband as well as the scheduled medication.
 
  The system has signaled a discrepancy between the dose ordered and the dose scanned. What is the nurse's most appropriate response?
  A) Administer the dose specified by the computer system and document the event.
  B) Consult the client's medication orders and then administer the dose originally poured.
  C) Consult with a colleague and identify the source of the error signal before proceeding.
  D) Document the discrepancy and place the medication on hold until the next scheduled dose.

Question 2

The staff at a day-surgery clinic are meeting because there have been two significant medication errors committed over the past few weeks. In order to prevent future medication errors, the nurses at the clinic should:
 
  A) take measures to ensure that they are not disturbed when pouring medications.
  B) have each medication checked and co-signed by another nurse.
  C) collaborate with the physicians to determine whether clients are being prescribed any nonessential medications.
  D) cluster the timing of medication administration to reduce the number of times that a client is given medications.

[Ksanderson1296]

Answer to Question 1

Ans: C
Feedback:
If an error message is received during medication administration, the nurse must be diligent in determining the reason for the message and correcting whatever is causing the error. It is not possible to say what the appropriate response would be until the nature of the discrepancy is identified. It would be prudent to enlist the help of a colleague to ensure the right decision is made. Placing the medication on hold until the next dose may be unsafe.

Answer to Question 2

Ans: A
Feedback:
Distraction is a major cause of medication errors. In general, it is not necessary to have two nurses co-administer medications in order for them to be given safely. Performing a medication reconciliation with physicians may reveal that some medications are non-essential, but this does little to enhance overall medication safety. Clustering the administration of medications does not equate with improved safety and reduction of errors.