what is the most appropriate action for a nurse to take when a medication error occurs

ATI RN

RN ATI Capstone Proctored Comprehensive Assessment A

1. What is the most appropriate action for a healthcare professional to take when a medication error occurs?

A. Document the error in the patient's medical record.
B. Report the error to the healthcare provider immediately.
C. Apologize to the patient and explain what happened.
D. Continue administering the medication and monitor the patient closely.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a medication error occurs, the most appropriate action for a healthcare professional is to report the error to the healthcare provider immediately. This is crucial for ensuring prompt corrective action to mitigate any potential harm to the patient. Documenting the error is important but should come after reporting it to the relevant authorities. Apologizing to the patient is important for maintaining trust and communication but should not take precedence over reporting and addressing the error. Continuing to administer the medication without addressing the error is unsafe and goes against patient safety protocols.

2. How can dehydration be assessed in an elderly patient?

A. Checking skin turgor on the forearm
B. Assessing for dry mucous membranes
C. Checking for orthostatic hypotension
D. Measuring daily weights

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Assessing skin turgor by gently pinching the skin on the forearm is a reliable method to check for dehydration in elderly patients. When the skin is slow to return to its original position, it indicates dehydration. While assessing for dry mucous membranes is also important, checking skin turgor is a more direct method for dehydration assessment. Checking for orthostatic hypotension is more related to circulation status than dehydration. Measuring daily weights is helpful to monitor fluid balance but may not be as immediate or direct in detecting dehydration in elderly patients.

3. Which action by the nurse demonstrates effective infection control measures?

A. Perform hand hygiene before and after patient contact.
B. Wear gloves when administering medications.
C. Dispose of used equipment in designated containers.
D. Wear a mask when interacting with the patient.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Perform hand hygiene before and after patient contact. Effective hand hygiene is a fundamental infection control measure that helps prevent the spread of pathogens. Wearing gloves when administering medications (choice B) is important for protecting both the patient and the nurse but is not a direct demonstration of infection control. Disposing of used equipment in designated containers (choice C) is more related to proper waste management than infection control. Wearing a mask when interacting with the patient (choice D) is essential in certain situations, but hand hygiene is a more universal and critical practice for infection control.

4. A client with severe dyspnea is scheduled for multiple diagnostic tests. Which test should the nurse prioritize?

A. Administer an echocardiogram first.
B. Prioritize a chest x-ray for the client.
C. Prepare the client for a CT scan.
D. Order an MRI first.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Prioritize a chest x-ray for the client. When a client presents with severe dyspnea, a chest x-ray should be prioritized as it helps in assessing the lungs and heart, which are crucial in cases of respiratory distress. Echocardiograms are more focused on assessing heart function and may not provide immediate information needed in cases of dyspnea. CT scans and MRIs are more detailed imaging studies that are not typically the first-line diagnostic tests for severe dyspnea.

5. Which question is essential during screening for alcohol use disorder?

A. What is your current employment status?
B. Have you experienced any blackouts or loss of consciousness?
C. Have you been sleeping well over the past month?
D. Do you have a family history of substance use?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The essential question during screening for alcohol use disorder is asking about blackouts or loss of consciousness, which can be indicative of excessive drinking and related to alcohol use disorder. Choices A, C, and D are not as directly related to screening for alcohol use disorder. Employment status (Choice A) is not a primary question in alcohol use disorder screening. Sleep quality (Choice C) and family history of substance use (Choice D) may be relevant but are not as crucial as inquiring about blackouts or loss of consciousness.