Medication Management

You are an RN working as a casual nurse in the hospital setting. Today you have been assigned to work on a unit where you have just finished orientation. During your morning medication administration you notice a new medication that is not familiar to you.

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What is the best course of action?

Stop preparing the new medication and refuse to administer the new medication because you are not familiar with it. Go on to prepare the next medication.

Consult with another RN to clarify the new medication, then administer it.

Look up the new medication in a facility-recognized drug guide before administering it. If you still have concerns, discuss the medication with the prescriber or contact the dispensing pharmacist.

Administer the new medication. After administration, look up the new medication in a facility-recognized drug guide and review the client history.

That’s Not Correct. RNs adhere to the “rights” of medication administration, including the right time. RNs understand how medication errors and near misses can occur and take steps to prevent them. (See Principle 1.3 in Medication Management).

That’s not correct. As self-regulated professionals, RNs determine all orders for an individual are clear, complete, current, legible and appropriate for the client before administering any medication. (See Principle 2.3 and 3.1 in Medication Management)

CORRECT! RNs are responsible for administering medications within their scope of practice and individual competence. (See Principle 2.3 and 3.1 in Medication Management).

That’s not correct. Nurses practice in accordance with the Scope of Practice and Code of Ethics. Before administring any medication, RNs are knowledgeable about the effects, side effects and interactions and take action as necessary. (See Principle 3 in Medication Management)

Nurses are responsible and accountable for safe, competent, compassionate and ethical medication management. In all areas of medication management, nurses must comply with professional standards, codes of ethics, agency/employer policies and work within their individual scope of practice.

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Thank you to the British Columbia College of Nurses & Midwives for permission to adapt their quiz content.