NCLEX RN Practice Questions PDF Related

Review NCLEX RN Practice Questions PDF related questions and content

A nurse on the orthopedics floor is asked by another nurse to witness her waste 1 mg of morphine. The nurse draws the full 2 mg dose of morphine into the syringe and tells the first nurse, 'This client does not get enough pain relief with 1 mg of morphine, so I just go ahead and give 2 mg to keep him comfortable because the doctor won't change the dose.' Which is the correct action by the first nurse?

  • A. tell the other nurse to call the doctor back and request an increase in the dosage
  • B. refuse to sign off on the waste and report the incident to the charge nurse or unit manager
  • C. sign off the waste, and suggest that the nurse give it over two separate doses 30 minutes apart
  • D. sign off the waste, but tell the nurse to give it slowly to be sure that the client can tolerate the dose
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Administering an unordered dose is a medication error and potential diversion. Refusing to sign and reporting ensures patient safety and accountability.