The nurse is preparing to administer a medication that the agency designates as "high alert." What action should the nurse take?
1. Ask another registered nurse to verify the medication.
2. Call the pharmacist to check the efficacy of the medication.
3. Decline to administer the medication unless there is a physician present.
4. Request that the nursing supervisor administer the medication.
Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: Most health care agencies maintain a list of high-alert medications, including controlled substances, which require the verification of two registered nurses.
Rationale 2: While the pharmacy is a valuable resource for nurses, the "high-alert" designation does not require pharmacy intervention.
Rationale 3: High-alert medications do not require the presence of a physician for administration.
Rationale 4: High-alert medications do not require the presence of a nursing supervisor for administration.
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