The nurse has returned from an in-service in which "high-alert" drugs were discussed. For which drugs should the nurse be particularly alert?
1. IV epinephrine
2. Heparin
3. Digoxin
4. IV morphine
5. Oral propranolol
Correct Answer: 1,2,3,4
Rationale 1: An incorrect dose of IV epinephrine can result in a dangerous dysrhythmia.
Rationale 2: An incorrect dose of heparin can cause a client to hemorrhage.
Rationale 3: Digoxin has a narrow therapeutic range and is considered a high-alert drug.
Rationale 4: An incorrect dose of IV morphine can stop a client's respirations, resulting in death.
Rationale 5: IV, not oral, propranolol is on the high-alert list. Giving an incorrect dose of propranolol IV can result in hypotension and circulatory collapse.
Global Rationale: An incorrect dose of IV epinephrine can result in a dangerous dysrhythmia. An incorrect dose of heparin can cause a client to hemorrhage. Digoxin has a narrow therapeutic range and is considered a high-alert drug. An incorrect dose of IV morphine can stop a client's respirations, resulting in death. IV, not oral, propranolol is on the high-alert list. Giving an incorrect dose of propranolol IV can result in hypotension and circulatory collapse.
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