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

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?

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. A client reports severe pain unrelieved by pain medication in a limb with traction. What is the nurse's priority?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assess for compartment syndrome. Severe unrelieved pain in a limb with traction can be a sign of compartment syndrome, a surgical emergency. Prompt assessment is crucial to prevent potential complications. Increasing pain medication dosage without addressing the underlying cause may delay necessary interventions. Waiting for the healthcare provider may lead to a critical delay in treatment. Repositioning the client may not alleviate the pain if it is due to compartment syndrome, and it is crucial to assess for this condition first.

3. The nurse is evaluating the effectiveness of guided imagery for pain management in a patient with second- and third-degree burns requiring extensive dressing changes. Which finding best indicates the effectiveness of guided imagery?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. A reduction in the need for analgesic medication indicates that guided imagery is effective in managing the patient's pain. Choices B, C, and D do not directly measure the effectiveness of guided imagery. A patient rating pain as 6 on a scale of 0 to 10, asking for pain medication once, or having stoic facial expressions may not necessarily reflect the impact of guided imagery on pain management.

4. A client who had a stroke is complaining of left-side weakness. What should the nurse prioritize?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to contact the physical therapy team. When a client who had a stroke presents with left-side weakness, the nurse should prioritize coordinating with the physical therapy team rather than immediately initiating physical therapy. The initial step should involve assessing the client's condition and involving the appropriate healthcare team for a comprehensive care plan. Administering pain medication or starting treatment without consulting others can delay or hinder the appropriate care needed for the client's recovery.

5. A nurse is caring for a patient who has just returned from surgery. What is the nurse's priority action?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assess the patient's vital signs. Assessing vital signs is crucial as it helps to detect any early signs of complications such as bleeding, shock, or changes in oxygenation. Monitoring the patient's pain level (Choice A) is important but assessing vital signs takes precedence. While assessing the surgical incision site (Choice C) is essential, ensuring the patient's physiological stability through vital sign assessment is the priority. Positioning the patient in a high Fowler's position (Choice D) may be necessary for comfort but does not address the immediate need to assess the patient's condition post-surgery.

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