Chapter 29, Problem 1RP

Summary Introduction

To discuss:

How do you think that you would respond in a similar situation? Why?

Case summary:

During the clinical rotation, the nurse met person FB who was an elderly man with a wound infection. He requires an intravenous antibiotic therapy. He was due for a certain antibiotic which has to be hung at 1000. When the nurse checked his drawer at 0800 and 0900, the antibiotic was not there. Another nurse told not to call pharmacy since the pharmacy staffs will replace the medication carts before the time. At 1000, the nurse found the medication bag in the drawer. It was found to be the right drug and the right dose, but it was the wrong patient. The label on the bag had another patient’s name on it. This patient was also in the same unit who is receiving the same drug and same dose but at a different time.

Explanation of Solution

In a similar situation, the nurse could not administer the medication as such to this patient. It is not the nurse’s legal right or responsibility to dispense the medication to the patient in this situation. The nurse would return the medication bags to the pharmacy since it was labeled with a wrong name. The nurse should call the pharmacy, explain the issue, and could request for a correct dose for this patient.

Summary Introduction

To discuss:

What does this tells about yourself and about the adequacy of your skills for professional practice?

Case summary:

During the clinical rotation, the nurse met person FB who was an elderly man with a wound infection. He requires an intravenous antibiotic therapy. He was due for a certain antibiotic which has to be hung at 1000. When the nurse checked his drawer at 0800 and 0900, the antibiotic was not there. Another nurse told not to call pharmacy since the pharmacy staffs will replace the medication carts before the time. At 1000, the nurse found the medication bag in the drawer. It was found to be the right drug and the right dose, but it was the wrong patient. The label on the bag had another patient’s name on it. This patient was also in the same unit who is receiving the same drug and same dose but at a different time.

Explanation of Solution

The nursing student might feel confident that she could be able to recognize and solve the problem. The professional legal skills are not quite adequate because the nursing student does not have the license yet. She is not quite as driven to protect it by knowing all the laws that are pertinent to nurses as the nursing student should be or will be.

Summary Introduction

To discuss:

Do you agree with the criteria to evaluate a successful outcome?

Case summary:

During the clinical rotation, the nurse met person FB who was an elderly man with a wound infection. He requires an intravenous antibiotic therapy. He was due for a certain antibiotic which has to be hung at 1000. When the nurse checked his drawer at 0800 and 0900, the antibiotic was not there. Another nurse told not to call pharmacy since the pharmacy staffs will replace the medication carts before the time. At 1000, the nurse found the medication bag in the drawer. It was found to be the right drug and the right dose, but it was the wrong patient. The label on the bag had another patient’s name on it. This patient was also in the same unit who is receiving the same drug and same dose but at a different time.

Explanation of Solution

The criteria which are provided in the scenario are agreeable. To evaluate a successful outcome; the right patient should receive the right drug, at the right dose and at the right time. This should be carried out in the right route of administration, along with the right documentation and understanding the right rationale. The patient must be safe and comfortable with the drug which is being administered to him.

Summary Introduction

To discuss:

Did the nursing student validate the rationale for the outcome?

Case summary:

During the clinical rotation, the nurse met person FB who was an elderly man with a wound infection. He requires an intravenous antibiotic therapy. He was due for a certain antibiotic which has to be hung at 1000. When the nurse checked his drawer at 0800 and 0900, the antibiotic was not there. Another nurse told not to call pharmacy since the pharmacy staffs will replace the medication carts before the time. At 1000, the nurse found the medication bag in the drawer. It was found to be the right drug and the right dose, but it was the wrong patient. The label on the bag had another patient’s name on it. This patient was also in the same unit who is receiving the same drug and same dose but at a different time.

Explanation of Solution

The nursing student has found to validate the rationale for the outcome. Validating the right reason requires the nursing student to understand the rationale for the drug administration. The right documentation and the right response are the important rationales for the successful outcome of the drug administration.

Summary Introduction

To discuss:

What knowledge, skills, and attitudes does the nursing student need to develop to continuously improve the quality and safety of care for patients like Mr. B?

Case summary:

During the clinical rotation, the nurse met person FB who was an elderly man with a wound infection. He requires an intravenous antibiotic therapy. He was due for a certain antibiotic which has to be hung at 1000. When the nurse checked his drawer at 0800 and 0900, the antibiotic was not there. Another nurse told not to call pharmacy since the pharmacy staffs will replace the medication carts before the time. At 1000, the nurse found the medication bag in the drawer. It was found to be the right drug and the right dose, but it was the wrong patient. The label on the bag had another patient’s name on it. This patient was also in the same unit who is receiving the same drug and same dose but at a different time.

Explanation of Solution

The nursing student should learn to triple-check the medication labels to avoid medication errors. The nursing student should be careful to avoid mistakes. The nursing student must make sure whether both the patients have the medications available to them when they are due for it. Under uncertain situations, the nursing student should always seek help from the senior nurse or preceptor.