The nurse uses the nursing process prior to administering any ...

[michelleunicorn]

The nurse uses the nursing process prior to administering any medications. Which step will assure the best patient safety?
 
  1. Assess the patient's developmental level.
  2. Assess the patient's medical history.
  3. Assess the patient's disease process.
  4. Assess the patient's learning needs.

Question 2

The physician ordered an oral medication. The nurse incorrectly administered the medication intravenously. What does the best analysis of the nurse's action reveal?
 
  1. An antidote cannot be given.
  2. The nurse will be terminated from her job.
  3. The medication cannot be retrieved.
  4. A lawsuit by the patient will be impending.

[ryansturges]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale: An assessment of the patient's medical history, which includes allergies, is the most important assessment prior to administering medications. Assessing the patient's learning needs is important for medication education, but not for safely administering medications. Assessing the patient's developmental level is important for medication education, but not for safely administering medications. Assessing the patient's disease process is important in evaluating the effects of the medications, but not for safely administering medications.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale: When a medication is given intravenously, its effects cannot be reversed because it is already in the bloodstream. A lawsuit may occur, but this is not the primary concern; patient safety is the primary concern. The nurse may be terminated, but patient safety is the main concern, and the effect of the medication cannot be reversed. Antidotes may be given, but this must be done very quickly.

[michelleunicorn]

Thank you!

[ryansturges]

Always glad to help...