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

1 Remove it from patient-care stock, secure it according to high-alert policy, and report the storage-system failure. ✓ Correct answer
2 Leave it there because the vial is unopened.
3 Prepare an undiluted intravenous push dose for severe hypokalemia.
4 Place it beside saline flushes so it is easier to locate.

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.

Next question on this topicA nurse is reviewing the morning lab results for an adult client receiving warfarin for at…

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

1DailyMed and ISMP: Concentrated Potassium Chloride SafetyRestricted storage and prevention of direct intravenous administration

2ISMP Targeted Medication Safety Best Practices for HospitalsRemoval and restricted storage of concentrated electrolytes and high-alert medication system barriers

Clinical scenario

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

Browse all questions No login required

Master the NCLEX-RN with MyMerci

Thousands of NCLEX-style questions with detailed rationale — in your language. Track your progress and study smarter.

Start for free

App Store Google Play

Read in another language: English 한국어 日本語繁體中文 Tiếng Việt

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

성장을 멈추지 마세요

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

In-depth explanation

Clinical scenario

Master the NCLEX-RN with MyMerci