(TOPIC 2) Safety and Quality

Questions and Answers

What are the time limits within which the nurse must administer a prescription of 'paracetamol 650 mg by mouth stat?'

Immediately (correct)

Within 1 hour of the prescription

Within 3 hours of the prescription

Within 2 hours of the prescription

Which action by the nurse determines the 'right patient' when following the six rights of medication administration?

Verify the patient’s identity by asking a visitor the patient’s name and validating the name on the patient’s wristband.

Place a name alert band on the patient’s wrist and verify that the medical record number is the same as the wristband.

Ask the patient to state name, date of birth, and compare the information with the patient’s driver’s license or another form of official identification.

Scan the bar code on the patient’s wristband, verify with the patient’s electronic medical administration record, and ask the patient to state full name. (correct)

Which nursing action is appropriate after the nurse administers a medication to the wrong patient?

Notify the health care provider and document the error in an incident report. (correct)

Report the error and document the medication on the patient chart.

Assess the client for an adverse reaction and report if an adverse event occurs.

Document the medication error; no further action is required.

According to the current health care laws in the United States, which professional can legally prescribe medications? (Select all that apply)

Nurse practitioners Signup and view all the answers

Which military time does the nurse use to document a medication given at 9:00 p.m.?

2100 Signup and view all the answers

Which part of an order for 'Acetaminophen two tablets PO, every 6 hours as needed for fever.' does the nurse ask the health care provider to clarify?

Dosage Signup and view all the answers

How many times does the nurse check a medication before administering it under the 'right drug' part of the 'six rights' of medication administration?

Three times Signup and view all the answers

Which method helps standardize medication prescriptions?

Computerized order entry Signup and view all the answers

Which safety feature is specific to computerized health care provider (HCP) order entry systems?

Include the ability to identify drug interactions with the patient’s current and newly prescribed drugs. Signup and view all the answers

Which term best describes the nurse's action when asking the patient to provide a list of all medications, including herbal and over-the-counter drugs, the patient takes?

Medication reconciliation Signup and view all the answers

For which reason are specific medications classified as 'high-alert' medications?

Potential for patient harm is higher with these medications. Signup and view all the answers

Which number of patient identifiers will the nurse check before administering a medication to a patient?

Two Signup and view all the answers

Which missing component of a prescription for 'gentamicin 100 mg every 8 hours' would prompt the nurse to consult with the health care provider?

Route Signup and view all the answers

How many times does the nurse verify a prescription before administering a medication to the patient?

3 Signup and view all the answers

Which information is of the highest priority when obtaining a pharmacologic history from a patient?

Allergies Signup and view all the answers

Which information in the medication prescription does the nurse verify before administering the drug?

Date of drug prescription Signup and view all the answers

Which information does the nurse need to clarify before administering a prescription for two tablets of acetaminophen by mouth today at 2100?

Dose Signup and view all the answers

Which member of the health care team is most appropriate for the nurse to contact with questions regarding the hospitalized patient’s medications?

Clinical pharmacist Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Medication Administration Timing

'Stat' prescriptions require immediate administration; timing delays are incorrect.
Administering a 'stat' medication within 1, 2, or 3 hours exceeds the required urgency.

Right Patient Verification

Verify patient identity by scanning the barcode on the wristband and asking the patient to state their full name.
At least two forms of identification are required to ensure the medication goes to the correct patient.

Responding to Medication Errors

Report medication errors to the healthcare provider and document in an incident report, regardless of adverse reactions.
Assess the patient for any adverse reactions if a medication error occurs.

Legal Prescribing Authority

Only certain professionals can legally prescribe medications: primary healthcare providers, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and dentists.
Psychologists and nursing assistive personnel do not have the authority to prescribe medications.

Military Time Documentation

9:00 p.m. is documented as 2100 in military time; understanding military time is crucial for accurate record-keeping.

Clarifying Prescription Details

Clarification is needed regarding the strength of medications when dosage is given as a number of tablets (e.g., for 'Acetaminophen two tablets').
Prescriptions require specifics on medication name, dosage, frequency, route, and the provider's signature.

Right Drug Verification

Nurses should check medications three times before administration to prevent errors related to misinterpretation.

Standardization in Prescriptions

Computerized order entry facilitates standardized prescriptions and reduces errors from handwriting and abbreviations.
Barcoding of medications ensures patients receive the correct prescribed medication.

High-Alert Medications

High-alert medications are classified due to their potential risk for patient harm, necessitating careful handling and administration protocols.

Patient Identifiers

The Joint Commission mandates checking two patient identifiers (e.g., name, date of birth) prior to administering medications to ensure safety.

Clarification of Route in Prescriptions

A missing route in a prescription requires immediate clarification with the healthcare provider to avoid administration errors.

Initial Medication History

Identifying allergies is the highest priority when obtaining a pharmacologic history, as allergic reactions can be life-threatening.

Medication Prescription Elements

Essential elements of a prescription that need verification before administration include the patient's name, prescription date, medication name, dose, frequency, and route.

Inquiring About Medications

The appropriate healthcare team member to ask about patient medications is the clinical pharmacist, who has expertise in medication management.

Study and Test-Taking Strategies

Practicing smart study habits, such as identifying problem areas and managing time effectively, can enhance learning and performance.
Test-taking confidence can be improved using psychological techniques, such as positive affirmations.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge on safety and quality concepts in nursing with this quiz from Chapter 9. Focused on essential principles, the quiz challenges you on key topics such as medication administration and patient care standards. Evaluate your understanding and readiness as a nursing professional.

(TOPIC 2) Safety and Quality - Chapter 9 Quiz