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. When assessing a client with terminal cancer receiving a continuous intravenous infusion of morphine sulfate, what should the nurse check first?

• A. Temperature
• B. Respiratory status
• C. Pulse
• D. Urine output

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When assessing a client with terminal cancer receiving morphine sulfate via continuous intravenous infusion, the nurse's priority should be checking the client's respiratory status first. Morphine sulfate can lead to respiratory depression, emphasizing the need for close monitoring of breathing. While temperature, pulse, and urine output are all essential components of the assessment, ensuring adequate respiratory function takes precedence due to the potential risk of respiratory depression associated with morphine sulfate. Promptly assessing respiratory status enables early identification of any signs of respiratory distress or depression, allowing for immediate intervention if needed.

3. What does carrying a donor card for organ donation mean?

• A. medical care is altered to obtain organs for donation in the event of serious injuries
• B. the family or legally responsible party of a client has no decision-making authority in the event that the client is considered for organ donation
• C. a client is allowed to revoke their decision for organ donation at any time
• D. a client is considered an organ donor for multiple organs or tissues

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Carrying a donor card for organ donation signifies that an individual can decide to revoke their decision for organ donation at any point. This choice empowers the individual to change their mind regarding organ donation. The family or legally responsible party of a client still holds decision-making authority in the event that the client is considered for organ donation. When organ donation is being considered, all organs or tissues the donor wishes to donate are evaluated for donation suitability; it's not limited to just one organ or tissue. It's important to note that medical care for an individual is not altered to hasten the declaration of death for organ donation purposes; the focus is on providing immediate care and resuscitation to the individual.

4. During the change of shift, the oncoming nurse notes a discrepancy in the number of Percocet (Oxycodone) listed and the number present in the narcotic drawer. The nurse's first action should be to:

• A. Notify the hospital pharmacist
• B. Notify the nursing supervisor
• C. Notify the Board of Nursing
• D. Notify the director of nursing

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The first action the nurse should take is to report the finding to the nursing supervisor and follow the chain of command. Notifying the nursing supervisor allows for immediate action within the facility to address the discrepancy. If it is found that the pharmacy is in error, then notifying the hospital pharmacist (Choice A) would be appropriate. Choices C and D, notifying the Board of Nursing and the director of nursing, are not the initial steps to take. These options may be necessary if theft is suspected or if the facility's internal response is inadequate. Therefore, they are incorrect answers.

5. Nurse Ann tells nurse Christine that one of her client's status is declining but that she will do her best to juggle her other two clients. Which action is most appropriate?

• A. Nurse Christine should offer to give medications to Nurse Ann's other two clients.
• B. Nurse Christine should inform their supervisor that assignments may need to be changed.
• C. Nurse Christine should ask other nurses who might be able to help Nurse Ann.
• D. Nurse Ann should try not to burden other nurses and continue caring for her assigned clients.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this situation, when Nurse Ann informs Nurse Christine that a client's status is declining and she needs to attend to them, the most appropriate action for Nurse Christine is to inform their supervisor that assignments may need to be changed. By informing the supervisor, necessary adjustments can be made to ensure proper care for all clients. Offering to give medications to Nurse Ann's other two clients (choice A) may not address the underlying issue of a declining client and could lead to a delay in care. Asking other nurses for help (choice C) might not be the most efficient solution, as the supervisor is responsible for reassigning tasks. Nurse Ann continuing to care for all her assigned clients (choice D) may compromise the quality of care provided to the declining client and may spread her too thin, impacting all clients negatively.

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