A nurse finds a concentrated potassium chloride vial in an unlocked bedside medication drawer. Which action is the priority?

1 Remove the vial from bedside stock, secure it in the approved restricted location, and report the storage-system failure. ✓ Correct answer
2 Leave the unopened vial in the drawer, add a warning label, and tell the next nurse where it is stored.
3 Prepare the concentrate for direct intravenous administration during severe hypokalemia after a second nurse verifies it.
4 Move the vial beside saline flushes in the medication room so staff can locate it quickly during an emergency.

Explanation

Concentrated potassium chloride is a high-alert medication that should be removed from patient-care stock and stored in a restricted, standardized location. It must never be administered by direct intravenous push.

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In-depth explanation

Quick answer
Use restricted storage and controlled dilution to prevent a fatal potassium error.

Why this is correct
A warning label alone is weaker than removing the concentrate from routine bedside access.

Easy analogy or mental picture
Build a medication-safety chain: identify the new cue, connect it to the drug mechanism or labeled limitation, stop preventable exposure, stabilize the client, and verify a measurable response.

Memory hook
Drug, urgent cue, protective action, and reassessment endpoint.

NCLEX decision rule
Choose the action that prevents the most immediate medication-related harm while preserving indicated treatment and required monitoring.

Why the other choices are wrong
Options that continue a suspect exposure, normalize a labeled danger cue, substitute an unauthorized dose, or delay escalation leave the client at risk.

References

1The Joint Commission: Concentrated Electrolyte StorageGeneral removal from routine patient-care areas and restricted, segregated storage when unit stock is justified

2WHO: Control of Concentrated Electrolyte SolutionsRemoval of concentrated potassium chloride from patient-care units and controlled preparation and labeling safeguards

Clinical scenario

Medication-safety review
Verify indication, current assessment, dose and route, organ function, interactions, urgent toxicity cues, authorized action, and measurable follow-up.

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For study reference only. Always follow current clinical guidelines and your institution’s protocols.

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A nurse finds a concentrated potassium chloride vial in an unlocked bedside medication drawer. Which action is the priority?

In-depth explanation

Clinical scenario

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