A nurse on the medical-surgical unit is caring for several very ...

[audragclark]

A nurse on the medical-surgical unit is caring for several very ill patients. One patient says, I was supposed to get my medications an hour ago. The nurse recognizes that medication errors can have what repercussions?
 
  1. Medication errors can potentially extend the patient's length of hospital stay.
  2. Medication errors can result in expensive legal costs to the facility.
  3. Medication errors can damage the facility's reputation.
  4. Medication errors can be physically devastating to nurse and patient.
  5. Medication errors cause preventable deaths during hospitalizations.

Question 2

The nurse makes a medication error, but the patient is not harmed. The patient's family asks the nurse manager what is considered a medication error. Which of the following are potential responses by the nurse manager?
 
  1. Failure to follow health care provider's orders
  2. Failure to give the right medication
  3. Failure to give a medication at the ordered time
  4. Failure to call the pharmacy and report that the medication has been given
  5. Failure to give the right dose of the medication

[verrinzo]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1,2,3,5
Rationale 1: Medication errors can cause harm, which can extend the patient's length of stay.
Rationale 2: If a medication error causes a patient harm, it can result in expensive legal fees for hospital defense.
Rationale 3: If the incidence of medication errors is publicized, it can cause the facility to be seen as unsafe or to be delivering substandard care.
Rationale 4: Medication errors can be physically devastating to patients but would be emotionally devastating to the nurse.
Rationale 5: Medication errors are the most common cause of morbidity and preventable death within hospitals.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1,2,3,5
Rationale: In this medication error, the patient does not receive the drug as the health care provider intended it to be given.

[audragclark]

Thank you!

[verrinzo]

Always glad to help...