How should the practical nurse (PN) respond to a nurse who asks them to administer a medication from an unlabeled syringe?

When faced with a request to administer medication from an unlabeled syringe, the appropriate response is to express discomfort with the task and offer to assist in another way. This is critical because safety and adherence to protocols are paramount in medication administration. An unlabeled syringe poses significant risks, as without proper labeling, it is impossible to verify the correct medication, dosage, and potential allergies or interactions for the patient.

By expressing discomfort, the practical nurse is advocating for patient safety and demonstrating adherence to best practices and legal standards in nursing. It is essential to always ensure that medications are properly identified before administration to avoid errors that could lead to serious harm or fatal outcomes. This approach shows professionalism and a commitment to ethical nursing practice.

While some might argue that checking the label might be a viable option, the situation presented specifically relates to an unlabeled syringe, which inherently means verifying the contents is not possible. Additionally, agreeing to assist without confirming what the medication is, or attempting to administer it to save time, disregards essential safety measures and could have grave consequences.