While preparing to administer an eye ointment, the nurse inadvertently squeezes the tube, discarding the first bead of medication. What action should the nurse take at this point?
1. Administer the eye ointment as ordered, as the first bead of ointment should be discarded anyway.
2. Notify the pharmacy and request a new, unopened tube of ointment.
3. Have a second licensed nurse witness the waste and sign the chart.
4. Continue to squeeze the tube until a clear line of ointment has been discarded from the tip.
Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: The nurse should administer the eye ointment as ordered as the first bead of ointment is considered contaminated and should always be discarded.
Rationale 2: There is no need to notify the pharmacy for a new tube of ointment.
Rationale 3: There is no need to have the wastage witnessed by another nurse.
Rationale 4: It is necessary to discard only the first bead of ointment, not an entire line.
You might also like to view...
The nurse is preparing to administer an enteral feeding to an adult client with an indwelling feeding tube in place. Prior to administering the feeding, how will the nurse check placement of the tube? Select all that apply
Standard Text: Select all that apply. 1. X-ray 2. Insert 10 cc of air into the tube while auscultating stomach. 3. Check pH of aspirate. 4. Assure effective gag reflex. 5. Begin feeding slowly, and monitor client response.
A nurse is investigating the structure of the community. Which of the following indicators would the nurse most likely collect data about?
a. Infant mortality rate b. Effective communication c. Crime rate d. Emergency room utilization
A pregnant client in the 21st week of pregnancy is planning a vacation with family and asks which method of travel she should use. How should the nurse respond?
1. "Travel by bus." 2. "Fly on an airplane." 3. "Take an automobile." 4. "Do not travel this late in the pregnancy."
A nurse is determining tasks that would be appropriate to delegate to UAP. Which task would be most appropriate to delegate?
A) Teaching a patient how to check his pulse B) Auscultating the chest for breath sounds C) Identifying specific patient outcomes D) Measuring the patient's intake and output