Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 93%
Simulated
A nurse recently administered filgrastim intravenously to a client who has cancer and is receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy. For which of the following data, discovered after the medication was administered, should the nurse file an incident report?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
The correct answer is C: The medication vial sat at room temperature for 2 hr before it was administered. Filgrastim should be stored in the refrigerator and should not be exposed to room temperature for an extended period as it can lead to degradation and reduced efficacy. This deviation from proper storage protocol could potentially impact the client's response to the medication and compromise its intended therapeutic effects. Filing an incident report is necessary to document this error for quality improvement and to prevent future occurrences.
Other choices are incorrect because:
A: The client's absolute neutrophil count being 2,500/mm before medication administration is within the normal range and does not require an incident report.
B: Flushing the IV line with dextrose 5% in water is a standard practice and not a cause for an incident report.
D: The time interval between chemotherapy and filgrastim administration is appropriate and does not necessitate an incident report.
Other choices are incorrect because:
A: The client's absolute neutrophil count being 2,500/mm before medication administration is within the normal range and does not require an incident report.
B: Flushing the IV line with dextrose 5% in water is a standard practice and not a cause for an incident report.
D: The time interval between chemotherapy and filgrastim administration is appropriate and does not necessitate an incident report.