medication safety

NCLEX-RN
Safety and Infection Control
Multiple choice
Difficulty 3 of 5

Question

A client says a tablet looks unfamiliar just before taking it. What should the nurse do?

Hold the tablet while exploring the concern and reviewing the order.✓ Correct

The concern should be resolved before administration.
Ask the client to take the tablet before checking the order.✗ Incorrect

Administration should stop while the concern is explored.
Explain that the tablet is safe because it came from the dispenser.✗ Incorrect

The dispensing system does not resolve the client’s concern.
Leave the tablet for the client to take after the nurse departs.✗ Incorrect

The concern remains unresolved and the medication should not be given.

Answer

A. Hold the tablet while exploring the concern and reviewing the order.

Rationale

The client’s concern may expose a medication discrepancy. Pause administration and examine the concern and the order before proceeding.

RememberStop and check when a client questions a medication.

Sources

Sources marked “Adapted from” are licensed under CC BY 4.0. We changed the material: its facts are rewritten into an original question, answer options and rationale. The original authors and publishers do not endorse SwipeExam.

Adapted from Open RN Nursing Skills, 2nd edition: Chapter 15 Administration of Enteral Medications Open RN (Chippewa Valley Technical College) · License: CC BY 4.0 · Retrieved November 2, 2026 · ASSESSMENTS RELATED TO MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION › During Administration · 2nd edition, 2023

Last verified: November 4, 2026 2 independent automated checks Question rn-sic-00787, version 1

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