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 difficulty sleeping while in the hospital. Which of the following actions taken by the assistive personnel (AP) while the client is sleeping should prompt the nurse to intervene?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because flushing the client's toilet after emptying the urinary catheter's drainage bag could disturb the client's rest. The nurse should intervene to ensure a restful environment for the client. Choices A, C, and D are not actions that would be disruptive to the client's sleep. Closing the door to the client's room, measuring vital signs routinely, and asking personnel in the hall to speak quietly are appropriate actions that do not directly disturb the client's rest.

3. A patient with COPD is admitted with shortness of breath and a productive cough. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement first?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Placing the patient in a high-Fowler’s position should be implemented first. This intervention helps improve lung expansion, making it easier for the patient to breathe. Elevating the head of the bed reduces the work of breathing and can alleviate symptoms of respiratory distress. Administering oxygen, encouraging coughing and deep breathing, and administering a bronchodilator are important interventions in the care of a patient with COPD, but positioning the patient for optimal lung expansion takes precedence in this scenario.

4. The nurse asks a client who is about to have a cardiac catheterization about any allergies. The client states, 'I always get a rash when I eat shellfish.' Which of the following is the priority nursing action?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Notifying the provider of the client's shellfish allergy is crucial to prevent a potential reaction from the contrast dye. While attaching a wristband indicating the allergy may be necessary, the priority is to inform the provider. Asking the client about other foods causing a similar reaction or notifying the dietary department, although important, are not the priority in this situation.

5. A nurse is teaching an older adult client who reports constipation. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction the nurse should include is to advise the client to drink four to five glasses of water daily. Increasing water intake helps alleviate constipation by softening stool and increasing bowel movements. Choice A, increasing dietary intake of raw vegetables, can be helpful in preventing constipation but may not be sufficient as the sole intervention for someone already experiencing constipation. Choice B, limiting activity, can worsen constipation as physical activity helps stimulate bowel movements. Choice D, bearing down hard when defecating, can lead to other issues like hemorrhoids and should be avoided.

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