Author Question: What is the most essential action by the nurse prior to delegating the administration of an ... (Read 73 times)

itsmyluck · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

What is the most essential action by the nurse prior to delegating the administration of an intravenous (IV) medication to a licensed practical nurse (LPN)?

a. Review the state's nurse practice act for LPN scope of practice.
b. Review the unit policy and procedure for IV medication administration.
c. Determine whether the LPN has previously performed this procedure.
d. Demonstrate the procedure; then allow the LPN to administer the IV medication.

Question 2

The physician prescribes warfarin 5 mg orally at 1800 for a patient. After administering the medication, the nurse realizes that she administered a 10 mg tablet instead of the prescribed 5 mg PO.

Which of the following actions by the nurse is appropriate?
a. No action is necessary because an extra 5 mg of warfarin is not harmful.
b. Call the prescriber and ask her to change the order to 10 mg.
c. Document on the chart that the drug was given and indicate the drug was given in error.
d. Complete an incident report according to the facility's policy.

Sammyo · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

A
The State Board of Nursing regulates the types and routes of medications that can be administered by the various levels of nurses. For example, LPNs in some states cannot administer IV medications, whereas other states require additional education and experience before LPNs can perform this action. The nurse must refer to her state's nurse practice act for the scope of practice. Once scope of practice is identified, the nurse can proceed with reviewing the unit policies and assessing the experience level of the LPN. If state regulations do not allow LPNs to administer IV medications, there is no reason for the nurse to proceed with the other actions.

Answer to Question 2

D
When a medication error is made, the nurse should first check the patient to assess for negative effects. If she is unfamiliar with the side effects of the medication, she should consult a drug reference, the licensed pharmacist at the institution, or the prescriber. Next, she should verify that she made an error and identify the type. Notify the nurse in charge and the physician. Follow any orders the physician prescribes. Document the drug, the dose, site, route, date, and time in the patient's healthcare record but do not document that the drug was given in error. Complete an incident report according to the facility's policy; submit the signed report to the nurse manager. Finally, critically review the error, and identify ways to improve your practice.