Level: Foundational
Difficulty: Easy
Subtopic: Barcode medication administration
NCLEX: The barcode scanner alerts a mismatch between the client armband and the medication label. What should the nurse…
Informatics and healthcare technology Management of Care
Case Study
The barcode scanner alerts a mismatch between the client armband and the medication label. What should the nurse do?
Question
A. Stop administration, recheck the five rights, and resolve the mismatch before proceeding.
B. Override the alert to stay on schedule because the medication is probably correct.
C. Ask another nurse to scan the medication without rechecking the client.
D. Give the medication and document the override later.
B. Override the alert to stay on schedule because the medication is probably correct.
C. Ask another nurse to scan the medication without rechecking the client.
D. Give the medication and document the override later.
Rationale
Correct answer: A. Stop administration, recheck the five rights, and resolve the mismatch before proceeding.
Rationale: Barcode alerts indicate a potential wrong-client or wrong-medication error; administration must stop until verification is complete.
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.
Rationale: Barcode alerts indicate a potential wrong-client or wrong-medication error; administration must stop until verification is complete.
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.