Medication Safety
What are the 10 Rights of Medication Administration?
Right patient, medication, indication, time/date, route, dose, documentation...
What is the main side effect of NSAIDs such as ibuprofen?
GI upset, ulcers, or bleeding.
What vital signs must be checked before giving beta blockers?
Heart rate and blood pressure.
What should the nurse do before administering insulin?
Check fingerstick blood sugar (FSBS) and ensure the client will eat.
Why should patients complete their antibiotic prescription even if they feel better?
To prevent resistance and relapse.
Why is medication reconciliation important?
It prevents omissions, duplications, dosing errors, or interactions.
Why should aspirin (ASA) not be given to children?
Risk of Reye’s syndrome.
What is the common ending for ACE inhibitors?
“-pril” (e.g., lisinopril).
What is the onset of rapid-acting insulin (Lispro)?
10–15 minutes.
What lab should be monitored for hepatotoxic drugs like acetaminophen?
Liver function tests (ALT, AST).
Before giving meds to a pediatric patient, what should the nurse verify?
The child’s ID bracelet, not verbal identification.
What medication reverses the effects of opioid overdose?
Naloxone (Narcan).
What side effect is most associated with ACE inhibitors?
Dry cough or angioedema.
What should the nurse do if the patient’s blood sugar is below 70 mg/dL before insulin administration?
Hold insulin and notify provider.
What teaching is important for antifungal medications (-azole)?
Avoid alcohol; report liver symptoms (jaundice, fatigue).
What vital step should be taken before giving an IV medication?
Verify patency of IV site and check for compatibility.
What should you monitor before giving morphine and when do you hold it?
Respiratory rate — hold if <12/min.
What lab values should be monitored with diuretics?
Potassium, BUN, creatinine.
What medication must be held 48 hrs before/after contrast dye?
Metformin.
What is the difference between broad- and narrow-spectrum antibiotics?
Broad: acts on many bacteria; Narrow: targets specific bacteria.
What is the difference between a side effect and an adverse reaction?
Side effect = expected mild response; Adverse reaction = harmful/unintended, e.g., anaphylaxis.
Why must steroids (like prednisone) be tapered slowly?
To prevent adrenal insufficiency.
What teaching should be given to patients on antihypertensives?
Rise slowly, avoid alcohol, and report dizziness or swelling.
What are two key symptoms of hypoglycemia?
Shakiness, sweating, confusion, headache, or irritability.
What symptom would indicate a true allergic reaction to a medication?
Hives, swelling of lips/tongue, difficulty breathing (anaphylaxis).