NCLEX RN Practice Question

The correct answer is to have another licensed nurse independently verify the medication, dosage calculation, and pump settings. Heparin is a high-risk medication that carries a significant risk of causing harm if administered incorrectly. The standard of care, recommended by safety organizations like the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP), is to perform an independent double-check with another licensed healthcare professional before administering high-risk drugs. This process involves two nurses separately checking the order, medication, dose calculation, and infusion pump settings to catch potential errors before they reach the patient. Asking about allergies is important but should have been done during the initial assessment. Checking a Prothrombin Time (PT) is incorrect, as the Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) is used to monitor standard heparin therapy. Administering the medication before final verification is an unsafe practice.