Nursing Elites

1. A nurse manager assigns a task outside the scope of a nursing assistant. How should the assistant respond?

• A. Refuse the task and report it to the charge nurse.
• B. Perform the task without reporting.
• C. Ask another nurse to perform the task.
• D. Accept the task but document it later.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a task is assigned that is outside the scope of a nursing assistant, it is essential for the assistant to refuse the task and report it to the charge nurse. This ensures that tasks are appropriately delegated, maintaining patient safety and adherence to professional standards. Performing the task without reporting can lead to potential risks for the patient and legal implications. Asking another nurse to perform the task may not address the issue of improper delegation. Accepting the task but documenting it later does not resolve the immediate concern of working within the assistant's scope of practice and seeking appropriate delegation.

2. A nurse at a local health department is caring for a client who is newly diagnosed with listeriosis. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

• A. Provide the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention with the client's information
• B. Inform the client that they are required to have health department staff directly observe their treatment
• C. Determine whether the condition is reportable under state requirements
• D. Find out whether the condition is endemic in the client's neighborhood

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Determine whether the condition is reportable under state requirements.' Listeriosis is a reportable disease, meaning healthcare providers are legally required to report cases to public health authorities. By checking the state requirements for reportable diseases, the nurse ensures compliance with public health regulations. Choice A is incorrect because providing the client's information to the CDC is not the immediate action needed. Choice B is incorrect as direct observation of treatment is not a standard procedure for listeriosis. Choice D is also incorrect as determining if the condition is endemic in the client's neighborhood is not the primary concern when managing a diagnosed case of listeriosis.

3. How should a healthcare provider respond when a patient expresses concerns about the side effects of a prescribed medication?

• A. Reassure the patient that side effects are rare.
• B. Discuss the benefits and risks of the medication with the patient.
• C. Encourage the patient to speak to the pharmacist.
• D. Refer the patient to another healthcare provider for information.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a patient expresses concerns about medication side effects, it is crucial for the healthcare provider to discuss the benefits and risks of the medication with the patient. This approach helps the patient make an informed decision about their treatment. Choice A is incorrect because dismissing the patient's concerns by reassuring them that side effects are rare may not address the patient's specific worries. Choice C, while pharmacists can provide valuable information, the primary responsibility lies with the healthcare provider. Choice D is incorrect as referring the patient to another healthcare provider may disrupt continuity of care and not address the patient's concerns effectively.

4. The nurse notes that a healthcare provider has prescribed a higher than normal dose of medication. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Administer the prescribed dose
• B. Ask another nurse to verify the dose
• C. Administer half of the dose
• D. Contact the healthcare provider to clarify the prescription

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When a healthcare provider prescribes a dose that is higher than normal, it is crucial for the nurse to contact the provider to clarify the prescription. Administering the prescribed dose without clarification can lead to potential harm to the patient due to the elevated dosage. Asking another nurse to verify the dose may not provide the necessary clarification from the prescriber. Administering only half of the prescribed dose without consulting the healthcare provider is not the appropriate action, as the full rationale behind the higher dose needs to be understood before any administration.

5. A newly licensed nurse tells a charge nurse that he is unsure about accepting telephone medication prescriptions. Which of the following providers should the charge nurse identify as having the legal ability to give telephone medication prescriptions?

• A. Anesthesiologists
• B. Physician assistants
• C. Hospital pharmacists
• D. Nurse practitioners

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Anesthesiologists. Anesthesiologists are licensed providers who have the legal authority to give telephone medication prescriptions. Physician assistants (choice B), hospital pharmacists (choice C), and nurse practitioners (choice D) do not typically have the legal ability to provide medication prescriptions over the phone. In this scenario, the charge nurse should inform the newly licensed nurse that anesthesiologists are one of the providers who can legally give telephone medication prescriptions.

Similar Questions