The nurse is responsible for administering medications to a patient with hypertension.The health-care provider decreased the patient's dose of antihypertension medication at 7 p.m.The next morning,the nurse administered the original dose of antihypertension medication to the patient.The nurse notes the error immediately upon documentation and notifies the health-care provider.The nurse checks the patient's blood pressure frequently,and no significant drop in blood pressure is noted.What essential element of malpractice is lacking in this medication error?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The essential element that is lacking in this medication error is the injury or harm to the patient. Although there was a breach of duty owed to the patient (administering the wrong dose), it was immediately recognized and steps were taken to mitigate harm (notifying the health-care provider and monitoring blood pressure). The foreseability of harm was also present, as administering the wrong dose of antihypertensive medication could potentially cause harm. However, since no harm or injury occurred, the element of injury or harm is lacking.

The Nurse Is Responsible for Administering Medications to a Patient