Preventing Medication Errors & Dosage Calculation

1. Nurses are legally responsible for applying the six rights of medication administration as a standard of care.

True

False

Nurses are legally responsible for applying the six rights of medication administration as a standard of care. This means that nurses must ensure that medications are given to the right patient, in the right dose, at the right time, by the right route, and with the right documentation. By following these six rights, nurses can minimize the risk of medication errors and ensure patient safety. Therefore, it is true that nurses are legally responsible for applying these standards of care.

Explanation

Nurses are legally responsible for applying the six rights of medication administration as a standard of care. This means that nurses must ensure that medications are given to the right patient, in the right dose, at the right time, by the right route, and with the right documentation. By following these six rights, nurses can minimize the risk of medication errors and ensure patient safety. Therefore, it is true that nurses are legally responsible for applying these standards of care.

2. IV medications have a more rapid onset than PO medications.

True

False

IV medications have a more rapid onset than PO medications because they are directly administered into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system. This allows the medication to be quickly distributed throughout the body, leading to a faster onset of action. In contrast, PO medications need to be swallowed and then absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract before entering the bloodstream, which can result in a slower onset of action.

Explanation

IV medications have a more rapid onset than PO medications because they are directly administered into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system. This allows the medication to be quickly distributed throughout the body, leading to a faster onset of action. In contrast, PO medications need to be swallowed and then absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract before entering the bloodstream, which can result in a slower onset of action.

3. It is not necessary to have a second licensed nurse check your narcotics.

True

False

The statement is false because it is necessary to have a second licensed nurse check narcotics. This is a standard safety protocol in healthcare settings to prevent errors or misuse of narcotics. Having a second nurse verify the medication helps ensure accuracy and reduces the risk of harm to patients.

Explanation

The statement is false because it is necessary to have a second licensed nurse check narcotics. This is a standard safety protocol in healthcare settings to prevent errors or misuse of narcotics. Having a second nurse verify the medication helps ensure accuracy and reduces the risk of harm to patients.

4. Solumedrol 2.5 mg/kg is ordered for a child weighing 36 kg. Solumedrol is available as 125 mg / 3 mL is available. How many mL must the nurse administer?

2.16

21.6

216

22.6

To calculate the amount of Solumedrol in mL that the nurse must administer, we need to use the formula:

(Desired dose / Available dose) * Volume of available dose

In this case, the desired dose is 2.5 mg/kg and the child weighs 36 kg. So the desired dose would be 2.5 * 36 = 90 mg.

The available dose is 125 mg / 3 mL.

Using the formula, we have (90 mg / 125 mg) * 3 mL = 2.16 mL.

Therefore, the nurse must administer 2.16 mL of Solumedrol.

Explanation

To calculate the amount of Solumedrol in mL that the nurse must administer, we need to use the formula:

(Desired dose / Available dose) * Volume of available dose

In this case, the desired dose is 2.5 mg/kg and the child weighs 36 kg. So the desired dose would be 2.5 * 36 = 90 mg.

The available dose is 125 mg / 3 mL.

Using the formula, we have (90 mg / 125 mg) * 3 mL = 2.16 mL.

Therefore, the nurse must administer 2.16 mL of Solumedrol.

5. What is the definition of Bioavailability

The need for dosing within a 12 hour time period

The need for consistent dosing around the clock

The need for dosing over a 72 hour period

Bioavailability refers to the extent and rate at which a drug or substance is absorbed into the bloodstream and becomes available to exert its therapeutic effect. The correct answer, "The need for consistent dosing around the clock," explains that bioavailability is dependent on maintaining a consistent dosing schedule throughout the day and night. This ensures that the drug levels in the bloodstream remain stable and within the therapeutic range, allowing for optimal efficacy and effectiveness of the medication.

Explanation

Bioavailability refers to the extent and rate at which a drug or substance is absorbed into the bloodstream and becomes available to exert its therapeutic effect. The correct answer, "The need for consistent dosing around the clock," explains that bioavailability is dependent on maintaining a consistent dosing schedule throughout the day and night. This ensures that the drug levels in the bloodstream remain stable and within the therapeutic range, allowing for optimal efficacy and effectiveness of the medication.

6. Solumedrol 2.5 mg/kg is ordered for a child weighing 8 kg. Solumedrol is available as 125 mg / 3 mL is available. How many mL must the nurse administer?

.32

4.8

0.48

.84

To calculate the amount of Solumedrol the nurse must administer, we can use the formula: dose ordered (mg) / dose available (mg/mL) = volume to administer (mL).

The dose ordered is 2.5 mg/kg, and the child weighs 8 kg, so the dose ordered is 2.5 mg/kg x 8 kg = 20 mg.

The dose available is 125 mg/3 mL. To find the volume to administer, we divide the dose ordered by the dose available: 20 mg / 125 mg/3 mL = 0.48 mL.

Therefore, the nurse must administer 0.48 mL of Solumedrol.

Explanation

To calculate the amount of Solumedrol the nurse must administer, we can use the formula: dose ordered (mg) / dose available (mg/mL) = volume to administer (mL).

The dose ordered is 2.5 mg/kg, and the child weighs 8 kg, so the dose ordered is 2.5 mg/kg x 8 kg = 20 mg.

The dose available is 125 mg/3 mL. To find the volume to administer, we divide the dose ordered by the dose available: 20 mg / 125 mg/3 mL = 0.48 mL.

Therefore, the nurse must administer 0.48 mL of Solumedrol.

7. Ordered 928,000 mcL D5W IV to infuse in 6.5 hr by infusion pump. What is the IV flow rate in mL/hr?

180.8

142.8

320

115.5

The IV flow rate in mL/hr can be calculated by dividing the total volume (928,000 mcL) by the infusion time (6.5 hr). This gives us 142,769.23 mcL/hr. Since there are 1,000 mcL in 1 mL, we divide the result by 1,000 to convert it to mL/hr, which gives us approximately 142.8 mL/hr.

Explanation

The IV flow rate in mL/hr can be calculated by dividing the total volume (928,000 mcL) by the infusion time (6.5 hr). This gives us 142,769.23 mcL/hr. Since there are 1,000 mcL in 1 mL, we divide the result by 1,000 to convert it to mL/hr, which gives us approximately 142.8 mL/hr.

8. Phenytoin (Dilantin), 25,000,000 mcg PO, is ordered to be given through a nasogastric tube. Phenytoin is available as 3,000 mg / 15 mL. How much would the nurse administer?

100

120

225

125

The nurse would administer 125 mL of phenytoin. To calculate this, first convert the ordered dose from mcg to mg by dividing 25,000,000 by 1000. This gives us 25,000 mg. Then, divide the total amount of mg (25,000 mg) by the concentration of the medication (3,000 mg/15 mL) to find out how many mL are needed. This equals 125 mL.

Explanation

The nurse would administer 125 mL of phenytoin. To calculate this, first convert the ordered dose from mcg to mg by dividing 25,000,000 by 1000. This gives us 25,000 mg. Then, divide the total amount of mg (25,000 mg) by the concentration of the medication (3,000 mg/15 mL) to find out how many mL are needed. This equals 125 mL.

9. A doctor orders 200 mg of Rocephin to be taken by a 15.4 lb infant every 8 hours. The medication label shows that 75-150 mg/kg per day is the appropriate dosage range. Is this doctor's order within the desired range?

No

Yes

Weight in Kg * Dosage Per Kg = Y (Required Dosage)
Convert 15.4 lb to kg.
lb → kg ( ÷ by 2.2 )
15.4 lb ÷ 2.2 = 7 kg
7 kg * 75 mg/kg = 525 mg (Minimum Desired Dosage)
7 kg * 150 mg/kg = 1,050 mg (Maximum Desired Dosage)
24 hours in one day and the medication is ordered every 8 hours.
24 hrs / 8 hrs = 3 times per day doctor ordered medication
200 * 3 = 600 mg ordered per day
600 mg is within the desired range of 525-1,050 mg
Yes doctor has ordered a dosage within the desired range.

Explanation

Weight in Kg * Dosage Per Kg = Y (Required Dosage)
Convert 15.4 lb to kg.
lb → kg ( ÷ by 2.2 )
15.4 lb ÷ 2.2 = 7 kg
7 kg * 75 mg/kg = 525 mg (Minimum Desired Dosage)
7 kg * 150 mg/kg = 1,050 mg (Maximum Desired Dosage)
24 hours in one day and the medication is ordered every 8 hours.
24 hrs / 8 hrs = 3 times per day doctor ordered medication
200 * 3 = 600 mg ordered per day
600 mg is within the desired range of 525-1,050 mg
Yes doctor has ordered a dosage within the desired range.

10. The most common medication error is the right dose.

True

False

The most common error that occurs is the administration of the wrong drug.

Explanation

The most common error that occurs is the administration of the wrong drug.

11. Medications must be given within which time frame of the specified order

1/2 hour prior to or after scheduled administration time

2 hours prior to or after scheduled administration time

1 hour prior to or after scheduled administration time

15 minutes prior to or after scheduled administration time

Medications must be given within a 1-hour time frame before or after the scheduled administration time. This allows for some flexibility in case there are delays or other factors that may affect the exact timing of medication administration. It ensures that the medication is given within a reasonable window of time to maintain its effectiveness and avoid potential complications.

Explanation

Medications must be given within a 1-hour time frame before or after the scheduled administration time. This allows for some flexibility in case there are delays or other factors that may affect the exact timing of medication administration. It ensures that the medication is given within a reasonable window of time to maintain its effectiveness and avoid potential complications.