247SimpleTests
NCLEX · Safety and Infection Control

A nurse notes that a medication order reads 'give 10U insulin.' Why is this order potentially unsafe?

Reviewed by Jordan Morley, Editorial Lead at 247SimpleTests. Written by the 247SimpleTests Editorial Team from the official source material cited on every question.

Correct answer

The abbreviation 'U' for units can be misread (e.g., as a zero, making it '100'); 'units' should be written out to prevent dosing errors

  1. A Insulin is never given
  2. B The abbreviation 'U' for units can be misread (e.g., as a zero, making it '100'); 'units' should be written out to prevent dosing errors
  3. C The dose is too low to matter
  4. D It is perfectly clear

Why this is the answer

The abbreviation 'U' for UNITS is on the 'DO NOT USE' list because it can be MISREAD — 'U' can look like a 0 (making '10U' read as '100') or a 4, leading to dangerous dosing errors. The word 'UNITS' should be written out in full. NCLEX safe care/medication safety. OTHER ERROR-PRONE ABBREVIATIONS to avoid: 'IU' (international units — write out); 'QD'/'QOD' (write 'daily'/'every other day'); trailing zeros (write '1 mg' not '1.0 mg' — the decimal can be missed); lack of leading zero (write '0.5 mg' not '.5 mg' — the decimal can be missed). The nurse should CLARIFY unsafe orders. Knowing the dangerous abbreviations (especially 'U' for units) is a commonly tested medication-safety concept.
Source: NCLEX Safe Care — Error-Prone Abbreviations

Practice more questions

This question is from our NCLEX Practice Tests practice test. Take the full practice test to test your knowledge across all Safety and Infection Control and other topics.

Take the RN: Safe and Effective Care Environment practice test →

About this topic: Safety and Infection Control

Safety and infection control questions cover Standard and transmission-based precautions, isolation set-up, sterile technique, error prevention, restraints, and emergency and disaster response. This is one of 24 RN: Safe and Effective Care Environment questions on safety and infection control, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

New to this exam? Our NCLEX exam guide explains the format, scoring, and how to prepare.

Related questions

Safety and Infection Control

What is the most important infection-control measure?

 Safety and Infection Control

A client with active tuberculosis (TB) is admitted. What type of isolation precautions are required?

 Safety and Infection Control

What is the proper sequence for donning (putting on) and doffing (removing) personal protective equipment (PPE)?

 Safety and Infection Control

What is the safest method of identifying a client before any procedure or medication administration?

State-specific guides

Need information for your state? Our state guides cover local requirements, fees, and what to expect on exam day.

California Texas Florida New York Pennsylvania Illinois Ohio Georgia

Recommended study materials

Study guide

Saunders Comprehensive Review for NCLEX-RN 9th Ed. (Elsevier)

The gold standard for NCLEX-RN prep: 5,200+ practice questions, content review, test-taking strategy.

Check Price → Study guide

NCLEX-PN Prep Plus (Kaplan)

Targeted NCLEX-PN content review with hundreds of practice questions and video explanations.

Check Price → Study guide

Prioritization, Delegation & Assignment (Elsevier)

The leading resource for NCLEX questions on prioritization, delegation, and management of care.

Check Price →

As an Amazon Associate, CJ Affiliate, and AWIN publisher we earn from qualifying purchases. Links above are affiliate links. Full disclosure →