Home » Blog » Breastfeeding » What should the nurse do when a nurse preparing medication for a patient is called away to an emerge

What should the nurse do when a nurse preparing medication for a patient is called away to an emerge

Handling Medication Preparation in Emergencies
In a healthcare setting, the safety and well-being of patients are paramount. When a nurse is called away to an emergency while preparing medication, several critical steps must be taken to ensure that patient safety is not compromised.
1. Assess the Situation:
The first step is for the nurse to quickly assess the urgency of the emergency call. If the situation requires immediate attention, the nurse must prioritize the emergency while ensuring that the patient awaiting medication is not left unattended.
2. Secure the Medication:
Before leaving, the nurse should secure any medication they have prepared. This includes:
– Labeling the Medication: Ensure that the medication is clearly labeled with the patient’s name, the dosage, and the time it was prepared.
– Storing Properly: Place the medication in a safe and designated area, such as a locked drawer or a medication cart, to prevent unauthorized access.
3. Notify a Colleague:
Communication is vital in healthcare. The nurse should inform another qualified healthcare professional, such as a fellow nurse or a pharmacist, about the situation. This colleague can either complete the medication administration or monitor the patient until the nurse returns. Providing clear information about the patient’s condition and the medication prepared is crucial.
4. Document the Situation:
Documentation is a key aspect of nursing practice. The nurse should make a note of the medication prepared, the time, and the reason for leaving, as well as the name of the colleague who will take over. This record ensures continuity of care and accountability.
5. Follow-Up:
Once the emergency is addressed, the nurse should return to the medication preparation as soon as possible. If another nurse administered the medication in their absence, it is essential to follow up to confirm that the patient received the medication as intended and to assess the patient’s response.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, when a nurse is interrupted during medication preparation due to an emergency, taking immediate, organized steps is essential for patient safety. By securing the medication, notifying a colleague, and documenting the situation, the nurse can ensure that they uphold their professional responsibility and provide safe care. This structured approach not only mitigates risks but also supports effective teamwork in high-pressure environments.

What should the nurse do when a nurse preparing medication for a patient is called away to an emergency?

Explanation: In a situation where a nurse is preparing medication for a client, but gets called away for an emergency, the most professional and safe action would be to ask a colleague to finish preparing the medication on their behalf.

What action would a nurse take when a patient is refusing medication?

Because a client legally has the right to refuse medication, the nurse can only recommend, advise, suggest, or urge the patient to comply.

What is the first action a nurse should do as they prepare to handle medications?

The nurse must confirm the patient’s identification matches the medication administration record (MAR) and medication label prior to administration to ensure that the medication is being given to the correct patient.

Which action would the nurse implement for discharge planning?

Anticipate and identify patient needs: The nurse would anticipate and identify the patient’s needs, such as medical equipment, medication, or follow-up appointments, to ensure a successful discharge.

What is a best nursing intervention to promote medication adherence?

Improving providers’ and patients’ education and adopting active and passive communication, including consented reminders, could enhance compliance.

What are the nurse’s responsibilities in medication administration in an emergency situation?

Nurses’ responsibility for medication administration includes ensuring that the right medication is properly drawn up in the correct dose, and administered at the right time through the right route to the right patient. To limit or reduce the risk of administration errors, many hospitals employ a single-dose system.

Can nurses leaving medication unattended?

Maintain a chain of possession when administering medications. Never administer a medication for which you have not personally done the medication checks. Never leave medication unattended.

What is the nursing responsibility during medication administration?

The 7 responsibilities are: (1) Management of therapeutic and adverse effects of medication; (2) Management of medication adherence; (3) Management of patient medication self‐management; (4) Management of patient education and information; (5) Prescription management; (6) Medication safety management; (7) Care/ …

What is the best strategy to improve medication compliance for a patient who is being discharged home on new medications?

Hence, providing clear medication related information to patients is essential to improve adherence that includes addressing the key information of what, why, when, how and how long. Patient medication counseling can be supplemented by providing detailed written information about medications.

What are the 3 checks a nurse should perform when preparing a medication for administration?

The three checks of medication administration are right documentation, right reason, and right response.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

Leave a Comment