error disclosure

Question

A nurse discovers an administration error on an adult unit.

Step 1

Which detail requires the nurse to act?

1. AA medication was given to the wrong client.✓ Correct

   This is an administration error.

2. BThe client is awake.✗ Incorrect

   Being awake does not identify the error.

3. CThe medication record is available.✗ Incorrect

   Availability of the record is not itself an error.

4. DThe unit has an incident-report process.✗ Incorrect

   The process supports reporting rather than identifying the event.

Rationale. The wrong-client administration is an error. It must be reported and addressed with responsible disclosure.

Step 2

How should the nurse interpret the event?

1. AIt is an error that requires reporting and responsible disclosure.✓ Correct

   The medication reached the wrong client.

2. BIt is merely a near miss because a dose was given.✗ Incorrect

   A dose reached the wrong client, so the event occurred.

3. CIt need not be reported if the client is awake.✗ Incorrect

   The obligation to report is not removed by that detail.

4. DIt should be concealed until the client asks.✗ Incorrect

   Concealment conflicts with responsible disclosure.

Rationale. The event is an actual error. Reporting and responsible disclosure are required even though the note does not describe harm.

Step 3

Which issue is the priority for the nurse’s communication about this event?

1. AReporting the error and arranging responsible disclosure to the client✓ Correct

   Both are identified responsibilities after an error.

2. BProtecting the unit’s reputation by withholding the event✗ Incorrect

   Concealment conflicts with disclosure.

3. CWaiting to see whether another nurse notices✗ Incorrect

   Delay does not fulfill reporting responsibility.

4. DReplacing the record with a clean copy✗ Incorrect

   Altering the record does not address the error.

Rationale. An error must be communicated through the appropriate channels. The client also needs responsible disclosure.

Step 4

Which responses are appropriate? Select all that apply.

1. AReport the error through the appropriate process.✓ Correct

   The error requires reporting.

2. BEnsure responsible disclosure to the client.✓ Correct

   The client should be told about the error responsibly.

3. CHide the event unless symptoms develop.✗ Incorrect

   A symptom is not a condition for reporting.

4. DTell colleagues to avoid documenting the event.✗ Incorrect

   Concealment is inconsistent with responsible handling.

5. EAssume reporting replaces disclosure to the client.✗ Incorrect

   The source identifies both responsibilities.

Rationale. Reporting and disclosure serve different purposes. Both are part of responding responsibly to the error.

Step 5

What should the nurse do using the facility’s established process?

1. AReport the event and ensure responsible disclosure to the client.✓ Correct

   These actions address both communication responsibilities.

2. BKeep the event private because the client is awake.✗ Incorrect

   The client’s current appearance does not remove the duty to report.

3. CWait for a complaint before mentioning the event.✗ Incorrect

   The error calls for reporting and disclosure.

4. DTell the client an error occurred only if a coworker agrees to hide it.✗ Incorrect

   Concealment conflicts with responsible disclosure.

Rationale. The nurse should report the error and make sure it is responsibly disclosed. The facility’s process guides how the report is submitted.

Step 6

Which outcome best demonstrates that the communication responsibilities were met?

1. AThe error is reported and the client receives responsible disclosure.✓ Correct

   Both responsibilities have been addressed.

2. BThe nurse tells no one and makes a private reminder.✗ Incorrect

   A private reminder is neither reporting nor disclosure.

3. COnly the assistant hears about the event.✗ Incorrect

   That alone does not establish reporting and client disclosure.

4. DThe client is told but the event is not reported.✗ Incorrect

   Disclosure alone does not meet the reporting responsibility.

Rationale. The evaluation must account for both reporting and disclosure. Completing only one leaves the other responsibility unmet.

Rationale

An error requires reporting and responsible disclosure to the client.