Nursing Elites

1. While assisting a healthcare provider in assessing a hospitalized client, the healthcare provider is paged to report to the recovery room. The healthcare provider instructs the nurse verbally to change the solution and rate of the intravenous (IV) fluid being administered. What is the most appropriate nursing action in this situation?

• A. Calling the nursing supervisor to obtain permission to accept the verbal prescription
• B. Asking the healthcare provider to write the prescription in the client's record before leaving the nursing unit
• C. Telling the healthcare provider that the prescription will not be implemented until it is documented in the client's record
• D. Changing the solution and rate of the IV fluid per the healthcare provider's verbal prescription

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Verbal prescriptions should be avoided due to the risk of errors. If a verbal prescription is necessary, it should be promptly written and signed by the healthcare provider, typically within 24 hours. Following agency policies and procedures regarding verbal prescriptions is crucial. In this scenario, the most appropriate nursing action is to request the healthcare provider to document the prescription in the client's record before leaving the unit. Calling the nursing supervisor to accept the verbal prescription without documentation, telling the healthcare provider to delay treatment until documented, and directly changing the IV fluid based on verbal orders all pose risks and do not align with best practices in medication administration.

2. A nurse in a long-term care center notes that an employee is constantly calling in sick. Which action should the nurse take initially to handle this problem?

• A. Documenting the employee's absences in the personnel file
• B. Discussing the situation with the employee and reminding them of the agency's employment standards
• C. Reporting the employee to administration
• D. Issuing a written warning to the employee

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When an employee demonstrates excessive absenteeism, the initial action a nurse should take is to discuss the situation with the employee and remind them of the agency's employment standards. It is important to communicate openly with the employee to understand the reasons for their frequent absences and remind them of the expectations regarding attendance. This approach allows for a constructive dialogue and provides the employee with an opportunity to rectify their behavior. Documenting the employee's absences in the personnel file may be necessary if the issue persists despite the discussion. Reporting the employee to administration should be considered only if the employee fails to improve after the initial discussion. Issuing a written warning should be a subsequent step if the employee continues to violate the attendance policies even after reminders and discussions.

3. Which of the following statements to the client's family would be appropriate when preparing to provide postmortem care to the client?

• A. "You will not be allowed to see your family member after the postmortem care is performed."?
• B. "I am not able to assist you, but we can call pastoral care if you need any comfort."?
• C. "Unfortunately, we are not allowed to incorporate any cultural practices in my preparations."?
• D. "I will be ensuring that your family member is properly identified before they are transported."?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct statement when preparing to provide postmortem care to the client's family is to assure them that the family member will be properly identified before transportation. This is crucial in ensuring the correct individual is being handled respectfully. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not address the essential aspect of ensuring the proper identification of the deceased before transportation. It is important to allow the family to see their loved one after postmortem care and, if possible, incorporate any cultural practices. Providing comfort and support to the family during this difficult time is also essential in delivering holistic care.

4. A 4-year-old client is unable to go to sleep at night in the hospital. Which nursing intervention best promotes sleep for the child?

• A. turning off the room light and closing the door
• B. engaging the child in calming activities before bedtime
• C. identifying the child's home bedtime rituals and following them
• D. encouraging relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises

Correct answer: C

Rationale: For a 4-year-old client struggling to sleep in the hospital, the best nursing intervention is to identify the child's home bedtime rituals and follow them. Preschool-age children often have specific bedtime routines that provide comfort and promote sleep. This familiarity can help create a sense of security in an unfamiliar hospital environment. Choice A, turning off the room light and closing the door, may increase the child's fear of the dark and being alone. Choice B, engaging the child in calming activities before bedtime, is a better choice than tiring them with play exercises. Choice D, encouraging relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises, although helpful, may not be as effective as following the child's familiar bedtime routines.

5. The nurse is preparing task assignments for the day. Which task should the nurse assign to a nursing assistant?

• A. Monitoring for bleeding for a client who has just undergone cardiac catheterization
• B. Assisting a client who is getting up to ambulate for the first time after surgery
• C. Providing oral care to an unconscious client who requires oral care
• D. Completing the preoperative checklist for a client scheduled for a liver biopsy

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When delegating tasks, the nurse must consider the state nursing practice act guidelines and job descriptions. Providing oral care to an unconscious client is a task suitable for delegation to a nursing assistant. The nurse should give clear instructions on adapting the procedure for the client's needs and the signs of complications to watch for. Monitoring for bleeding after cardiac catheterization necessitates immediate nursing assessment, which requires critical thinking and intervention that exceeds a nursing assistant's scope of practice. Assisting a client with ambulation post-surgery carries the risk of orthostatic hypotension and should be performed by a licensed nurse. Completing a preoperative checklist for a client scheduled for a liver biopsy involves critical assessment and preparation that are within the nurse's scope of practice.

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