The nurse teaches a class to patients about how to help prevent medication errors when in the hospital. What is a priority question for the nurse to ask the patients?

Question

1. "Do you know the names of all the medications you take?"
2. "Do you trust your physician to order the correct medication?"
3. "Do you have a friend to verify that you are receiving the correct medication?"
4. "Do you know what your illness is, and if you will need surgery?"

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1
Rationale: Knowing the names of all medications taken can reduce drug errors when a patient is admitted to the hospital. Knowing the illness and anticipating surgery do not necessarily help prevent medication errors. Asking the patients if they trust their physicians to order the correct medication is inappropriate. It is inappropriate for friends of patients to verify medications prior to administration.