The electronic barcode scanner on a unit's medication cart is unexpectedly malfunctioning due to a network outage. A practical nurse is preparing to administer a scheduled dose of oral amlodipine to an alert client who is resting in bed. Which action must the nurse take to ensure safe medication administration?
- AProceed with administration based on visual recognition, as the nurse has consistently cared for this client over the past two days.
- Ask the client to state their full name and date of birth, comparing this information against the wristband and the medication administration record.Answer
- CVerify the client's identity by cross-referencing the medication administration record with the room and bed number posted on the wall.
- DDelegate the identification verification to the unlicensed assistive personnel who recently obtained the client's vital signs.
Answer
The nurse must manually ask the client to state their full name and date of birth, and compare this against the client's wristband and the medication administration record.
Safe medication administration requires the nurse to verify two distinct client identifiers, typically the client's full name and date of birth. When an electronic barcode scanner is malfunctioning, the nurse must manually ask the alert client to state these identifiers and compare them directly against the identification wristband and the medication administration record (MAR) to guarantee the medication is given to the correct individual.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Medication Administration Rights and Manual Client Identification