NCLEX-RNSafety and Infection Prevention and ControlHard
A nurse is performing a medication reconciliation for a newly admitted client. The client reports taking a herbal supplement daily that is not listed in their electronic health record (EHR). What is the nurse's priority action?
- AAdvise the client to stop taking the herbal supplement immediately.
- BDocument the herbal supplement in the EHR and continue with the admission process.
- CNotify the prescribing healthcare provider about the unlisted herbal supplement.
- DEducate the client about potential interactions between the supplement and prescribed medications.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Notify the prescribing healthcare provider about the unlisted herbal supplement.
Medication reconciliation is a critical safety process. Unlisted herbal supplements can have significant interactions with prescribed medications, potentially leading to adverse drug events. Notifying the healthcare provider is the priority to ensure a comprehensive medication review and adjust the treatment plan if necessary, preventing harm to the client.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Advising the client to stop a supplement without consulting the provider or assessing potential risks could be inappropriate, especially if it's for a chronic condition.
- B. While documentation is important, the priority is to address the potential safety risk before simply continuing the admission.
- D. Education is important, but it should follow the provider's assessment and decision-making regarding the safety of continuing the supplement.
Medication Reconciliation
The process of creating an accurate list of all medications a patient is taking and comparing it against the physician's admission, transfer, and discharge orders.
- Prevents medication errors.
- Includes all prescribed, over-the-counter, and herbal medications.
- Done at all transitions of care.
Memory trick: Reconcile, Report, Review, Reduce Risk.