Roach's Introductory Clinical Pharmacology 11th Edition - Administration of Drugs Related

Review Roach's Introductory Clinical Pharmacology 11th Edition - Administration of Drugs related questions and content

How can the nurse ensure correct patient identification for an unresponsive patient?

  • A. By waking him up to ask him his name
  • B. By identifying the patient's room number
  • C. By checking the patient's wristband
  • D. By asking the nursing assistant for the patient's location
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The nurse should identify a patient by checking his wristband, which has the patient's name. The nurse should not ask the patient to confirm his name, because some patients, particularly those who are confused or have difficulty hearing, may respond by answering yes. Additionally, this patient is unresponsive. The nurse can obtain the patient's location by asking any other member of the health care staff, but should verify the patient's identity by checking the wristband. The nurse should not rely on the patient's room number alone.