A nurse on the telemetry unit is preparing client medications in the medication room at the nurse's station. The nurse should perform which actions to be consistent with client safety practices related to medication administration? Select all that apply. A)Check laboratory values before administering anticoagulants B)Compare medication, dosage, and route to prescription orders prior to administration C)Discard any unlabeled medications D)Open unit dose packages and place medications in a dispensing cup to take to the bedside E)Wear gloves to handle unopened individual unit dose medication packages

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The nurse must follow the 6 rights of medication administration: The right client The right medication The right dose The right time The right route The right documentation Additionally, one of the National Patient Safety Goals (NPSGs) is to "improve the safety of using medications." This includes labeling all medications as soon as prepared, discarding any medications that are found unlabeled, and taking extra care for clients who take anticoagulant drugs. (Option D) Individual dose packages should be opened at the client's bedside and should be placed in a medication cup only immediately prior to administration. (Option E) Gloves are generally not required during medication preparation or handling of unopened packages or vials, although hand hygiene should be performed both prior to preparation or handling and again prior to administration. The nurse should wear gloves during medication administration when coming into contact with a route that is potentially contaminated by blood or body fluids (eg, administering intramuscular or subcutaneous injections, accessing a closed IV tubing system, placing a pill into a client's mouth using fingers). Educational objective: The nurse should follow the 6 rights of medication administration when preparing and administering drugs to a client. Additionally, the NPSGs of improving the safety of using medications should be followed, including labeling all medications, discarding medications found unlabeled, and taking extra care for clients taking anticoagulant drugs.

A Nurse on the Telemetry Unit Is Preparing Client Medications