Ethics and Issues in Contemporary Nursing Related

Review Ethics and Issues in Contemporary Nursing related questions and content

An RN delegates to an experienced LPN/LVN the task of administering oral medications to a group of patients. The LPN/LVN accepts the assignment, and the RN knows that the LPN/LVN has had the training and has acquired the skills needed to complete the task. The RN then observes the LPN/LVN recording a patient's medication administration just before entering the patient's room. The priority intervention by the RN is to:

  • A. check the patient's drug packages to ensure that the correct drugs were given.
  • B. stop the LPN/LVN immediately and discuss the possible consequences of his actions in a nonjudgmental manner.
  • C. contact the nurse manager and ask that the LPN/LVN's license be suspended.
  • D. call the pharmacy and ask for replacement medications for the patients.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: stop the LPN/LVN immediately and discuss the possible consequences of his actions in a nonjudgmental manner. This is the priority intervention because it addresses the immediate issue of potentially incorrect documentation and allows for clarity and understanding between the RN and LPN/LVN. It promotes open communication and a chance to correct any errors that may have occurred.

Choice A is incorrect because checking the drug packages after the fact does not address the issue of potentially incorrect documentation and missed medications.

Choice C is incorrect as it is an extreme response that does not promote a collaborative and educational approach to resolving the situation.

Choice D is incorrect as calling the pharmacy for replacement medications is not necessary at this stage and does not address the immediate concern of potentially incorrect documentation.