Скачать или смотреть NCLEX Goldmine: High Alert Meds & The 6 Rights

Episode Notes


Topic: Medication Administration and Safety for nursing students
Why It Matters:


The pharmacological and parenteral therapies category makes up 12–18% of the NCLEX-RN, and safety principles appear throughout the exam.


Safe med administration is the foundation of every pharmacology question — mastering it means mastering NCLEX logic.


Core Concepts:


The Six Rights:


Right Patient


Right Medication


Right Dose


Right Route


Right Time


Right Documentation


The Two-Second Scan:
Pause before giving a med. Check the wristband, MAR, and drug label consciously to prevent bedside errors.


High-Alert Drugs — “IO Anticoagulants Potassium Dig” Mnemonic:


I – Insulin


O – Opioids (morphine, fentanyl)


Anticoagulants – Heparin, Warfarin


Potassium – IV Potassium Chloride


Dig – Digoxin


High-Alert Safety Pearls:


Always use an independent double-check for insulin and IV potassium.


Never pre-label syringes or walk away from unlabeled meds.


Clarify unclear orders — safety over hierarchy.


Hold parameters:


Digoxin: Hold if apical pulse ＜60 (adult).


Warfarin: Hold if INR above therapeutic range.


No aspiration for subcutaneous heparin — prevents bruising and hematoma.


Practice NCLEX Question:
A nurse is preparing to administer heparin subcutaneously to a client. Which action indicates a need for further teaching?


A. Verifying client identity using two identifiers


B. Checking the medication label against the MAR three times


C. Aspirating before injecting the medication ✅


D. Documenting administration immediately after giving


Rationale:
Aspirating before giving sub-Q heparin can cause tissue trauma and hematoma formation.


Nursing Pearls:


“High alert means high attention.”


The MAR is your legal record — document accurately, every time.


Safety trumps hierarchy: Always question unclear or unsafe orders.


Build habits: check, pause, verify.


Key Takeaway:
Safety is the heart of nursing pharmacology. Nail the Six Rights, know your high-alert drugs, and you’ll have a rock-solid foundation for both the NCLEX and real-world practice.






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