Author Question: An RN interprets a scribbled medication order by the attending physician as 25 mg, administers the ... (Read 31 times)

biggirl4568 · **on:** Jul 22, 2018

An RN interprets a scribbled medication order by the attending physician as 25 mg, administers the dose to the client, and then discovers that the dose was, in fact, 15 mg. Who would ultimately be held responsible for the error?

a. The attending physician
b. The assisting resident
c. The pharmacist
d. The nurse

Question 2

For which of the following clients is the nurse aware that application of cold is indicated?

a. A client with menstrual cramping
b. A client with an infected wound
c. A client with a fractured ankle
d. A client with degenerative joint disease

amy.lauersdorf90 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

D
A nurse carrying out an inaccurate or inappropriate order may be legally responsible for any harm suffered by the client. The nurse should have the physician clarify the order when the writing is hard to read.
The attending physician could be included in the lawsuit, but the nurse would be ultimately held responsible for the error.
The assisting resident would not be ultimately held responsible for the error, as the resident did not administer the inaccurate dose.
The pharmacist could be included in the lawsuit, but the nurse would ultimately be held respon-sible for the error because it was the nurse who administered out the inaccurate dose.

Answer to Question 2

C
Direct trauma, such as fractures or sprains, may be treated with cold. The application of cold can initially diminish swelling and pain.
Application of heat to reduce muscle tension and pain would be more appropriate for the client with menstrual cramping.
The application of cold is not indicated for the client with an infected wound, as it reduces the blood flow to the area. This would limit the number of macrophages to clear the area of bacteria and would lessen the nutrient supply to the already impaired tissue.
The effects of heat application would be more beneficial to the client with degenerative joint disease.