QUESTION 40 OF 50

Your coworker forgot to sign off that she gave Tylenol as a PRN before she punched out and calls you from the car. She asks you to initial that it was given so nobody gives it again. What do you do?

It sounds like the right thing to do. After all, you don't want the patient to be given extra Tylenol, but you should never do this. It's illegal and forging the medical record. It's unethical and risks your nursing license. The correct thing to do is to write down the information about the dose and attach a sticky note to the MAR so that there is a visual reminder for the person administering medications. This information should be reported to the shift nurse manager and guidance received. Under no circumstances should the nurse sign off a medication that he or she did not administer.

"Sally, I'm sorry, but I'm not comfortable doing that. Thank you so much for calling and letting me know. I put a sticky note on the chart to remind myself of the time you gave the Tylenol and let Ruthann know, so we can follow her guidance. Call Ruthann tomorrow to figure out what you need to do about not signing that. Have a good night and drive safely!"

"Unfortunately, I can't sign off on a medication that you administered. That would put both of our licenses at risk. Do you have time to come back in and chart it yourself? If not, I will place a sticky note on my nurse cheat sheet to remind me what time you administered the Tylenol. Make sure you check with the manager tomorrow to see how you can chart a late entry. Good night!"

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Anonymous Answer

I would tell them "I wish I could, but I am not comfortable with that. I can notify the charge nurse for you and mark it with a note in their chart."

Stephanie's Feedback

This is certainly a tricky situation to be faced with, and your response shows an understanding of honesty and ethical behavior. I suggest adding a concluding sentence that highlights the specific values that guide your work. For example: "Although this is a difficult situation, I am committed to honesty in the workplace and maintaining a high standard of ethical behavior. These values are important to me and guide my work."

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Situational Nursing Mock Interview

Your coworker forgot to sign off that she gave Tylenol as a PRN before she punched out and calls you from the car. She asks you to initial that it was given so nobody gives it again. What do you do?

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50 Situational Nursing Interview Questions & Answers