A practical nurse is preparing to administer a scheduled dose of oral metoprolol to a client who is alert and watching television. The client's heart rate is and blood pressure is . Which action must the nurse perform to correctly verify the client's identity before giving the medication?
- Ask the client to state their first and last name and date of birth while checking their identification band.Answer
- BAsk the client, "Are you Mr. Smith?" and wait for the client to verbally agree.
- CCompare the client's room and bed number to the information on the medication administration record.
- DVerify the client's identity by checking the name listed on the dry-erase board in the client's room.
Answer
The nurse must verify the client's identity by asking them to state their first and last name and date of birth while checking their identification band.
The standard of care for medication administration requires nurses to use at least two distinct, acceptable client identifiers before giving any medication. Asking the client to actively state their full name and date of birth, while comparing this information to their physical identification band and the medication administration record, fulfills this critical safety requirement and prevents errors.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Rights of Medication Administration: Right Client Verification