8 Integrated High-Alert Medication Practice Free Online FlashCards

What makes a medication high-alert?

A high-alert medication can cause more severe harm if used in error, even if errors are no more likely than with other medications.

Which medications are examples of high-alert drugs?

Examples include insulin, anticoagulants, opioids, injectable potassium, hypertonic saline, magnesium sulfate, and antineoplastic drugs.

What should be verified before administering a high-alert medication?

Verify the patient, medication, dose, route, timing, allergies, relevant assessment findings, and required laboratory or monitoring results. Use required safeguards and do not rely on a double-check instead of understanding the check.

What should you do when an order and the clinical picture do not agree?

Pause and clarify before administration if the order, product, calculation, patient status, or monitoring data do not agree.

What is the safe response to delayed food and unexpectedly low glucose before mealtime insulin?

Pause the mealtime dose, reassess the patient and glucose, check the order and protocol, and promptly clarify the plan. Coordinate administration with actual food intake as directed.

Why must mealtime, correction, and basal insulin be distinguished?

Mealtime, correction, and basal insulin have different purposes. Do not assume they should be handled the same way when a meal is delayed or missed.

What takes priority when a patient on IV heparin develops heavy bleeding and confusion?

Treat it as a potential emergency: assess the patient, activate urgent assistance as indicated, and promptly notify the prescriber and pharmacist. Follow the applicable emergency protocol or authorized order for the infusion.

What is the priority response to opioid-related slow, shallow breathing?

Stop further opioid administration, summon emergency help, support airway and breathing within your training and protocol, and do not leave the patient alone.

Why is monitoring still needed after naloxone?

Naloxone is temporary treatment; sedation or respiratory depression can recur as it wears off. Continue close monitoring and obtain emergency medical evaluation.

How should you respond to an order for concentrated potassium chloride by IV push?

Do not administer concentrated potassium chloride by IV push. Clarify the order and use an approved preparation under facility requirements for concentration, pump, rate, and monitoring.

What is the first response to suspected antineoplastic extravasation?

Stop the infusion immediately and activate the drug- and facility-specific extravasation procedure.

What should you do with the access device during initial extravasation response?

Generally, leave the access device in place initially so the team can assess whether drug can be aspirated; do not flush the line.