Qualified Medication Aides (QMA) Practice Exam

When giving a PRN medication, what must the nurse do?

1. Fill out the clinical record alone

2. Cosign the clinical record

3. Administer the medication without documentation

4. Notify the pharmacist

The correct answer is: Cosign the clinical record

When administering a PRN (as needed) medication, the nurse is responsible for documenting the details of the medication administration accurately in the clinical record. This documentation serves several essential purposes: it provides a legal record of the care provided, ensures continuity of care by informing other healthcare team members of the intervention, and helps in monitoring the patient's response to the medication. When a nurse cosigns the clinical record, it signifies that they have verified that the medication was both administered and that the documentation accurately reflects the patient's condition and the rationale for administering the PRN medication. This is especially important in environments where collaborative healthcare teams operate, as it maintains accountability and clarity about patient care. While other choices suggest actions that might seem relevant, they are not aligned with best practices in medication administration and documentation. Filling out the clinical record alone would lack the necessary verification from another healthcare provider. Failing to document medication administration can lead to significant risks in patient safety and continuity of care. Notifying the pharmacist, while sometimes necessary if there are issues with medication availability or preparation, does not address the immediate requirement to document the PRN administration.