The nurse is caring for a patient who suddenly becomes confused and tries to remove an intravenous (IV) infusion. Which priority action will the nurse take?
- A. Assess the patient.
- B. Gather restraint supplies.
- C. Try alternatives to restraint.
- D. Call the health care provider for a restraint order.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Assess the patient. The nurse's priority is to assess the patient to determine the cause of sudden confusion and agitation. This may be due to various reasons such as hypoxia, hypoglycemia, infection, or medication side effects. Assessing the patient's vital signs, oxygen saturation, blood glucose level, and reviewing medication administration can help identify the underlying cause. Gathering restraint supplies (B) should not be the initial action as it may not address the root cause of the confusion and can lead to further agitation. Trying alternatives to restraint (C) is important, but assessing the patient should come first. Calling the healthcare provider for a restraint order (D) should only be considered after other interventions have been attempted.
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A confused patient is restless and continues to remove oxygen cannula and urinary catheter. What is the priority nursing diagnosis and intervention?
- A. Risk for injury: Check on patient every 15 minutes.
- B. Risk for suffocation: Place “Oxygen in Use†sign.
- C. Disturbed body image: Encourage patient expression.
- D. Deficient knowledge: Explain oxygen therapy.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Risk for injury: Check on patient every 15 minutes. This is the priority nursing diagnosis because the patient is at risk for harm due to removing essential medical equipment. Continuous monitoring can prevent potential injuries. Choice B is incorrect as simply placing a sign does not actively address the patient's behavior. Choice C is incorrect as the patient's actions are not related to body image. Choice D is incorrect as the patient's behavior is not due to a lack of knowledge about oxygen therapy. Monitoring the patient closely is crucial in ensuring their safety and preventing harm in this situation.
The emergency department has been notified of a potential bioterrorism attack. Which action by the nurse is priority?
- A. Monitor for specific symptoms.
- B. Manage all patients using standard precautions.
- C. Transport patients quickly and efficiently through the elevators.
- D. Prepare for post-traumatic stress associated with this bioterrorism attack.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Manage all patients using standard precautions. This is the priority action because in a potential bioterrorism attack, protecting both patients and staff from exposure to any harmful agents is crucial. Standard precautions help prevent the spread of infections and ensure safety for everyone in the emergency department. Monitoring for specific symptoms (choice A) is important but comes after ensuring immediate safety. Transporting patients quickly (choice C) may increase the risk of spreading potential agents. Preparing for post-traumatic stress (choice D) is important but not the priority in the initial response to a bioterrorism threat.
The nurse is trying to use alternatives rather than restrain a patient. Which finding will cause the nurse to determine the alternative is working?
- A. The patient continues to get up from the chair at the nurses' station.
- B. The patient gets restless when the sitter leaves for lunch.
- C. The patient folds three washcloths over and over.
- D. The patient apologizes for being 'such a bother.'
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the patient folding three washcloths over and over demonstrates engagement in a repetitive, soothing activity, indicating reduced agitation or restlessness. Choice A shows lack of improvement as the patient is still trying to get up. Choice B suggests dependency on the sitter for comfort. Choice D indicates compliance due to guilt, not necessarily effectiveness of the alternative.
The nurse is assessing a patient who reports a previous fall and is using the SPLATT acronym. Which questions will the nurse ask the patient? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Where did you fall?
- B. What time did the fall occur?
- C. What were you doing when you fell?
- D. What types of injuries occurred after the fall?
- E. Did you obtain an electronic safety alert device after the fall?
Correct Answer: A,B,C,D
Rationale: The correct answers are A, B, C, and D. Asking where, when, and what the patient was doing during the fall helps to assess the circumstances leading to the fall and potential risk factors. Inquiring about types of injuries provides insight into the severity of the fall and any complications. Choice E is incorrect as it focuses on post-fall actions rather than the fall event itself. The other choices, F and G, are not provided in the question and are therefore irrelevant.
A nurse is providing care to a patient. Which action indicates the nurse is following the National Patient Safety Goals?
- A. Identifies patient with one identifier before transporting to x-ray department
- B. Initiates an intravenous (IV) catheter using clean technique on the first try
- C. Uses medication bar coding when administering medications
- D. Obtains vital signs to place on a surgical patient's chart
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because using medication bar coding ensures the right medication is given to the right patient at the right time, aligning with National Patient Safety Goals to prevent medication errors. This process enhances patient safety by verifying the medication through scanning before administration.
Choice A may be a good practice, but it does not directly relate to a specific patient safety goal. Choice B focuses on IV catheter insertion technique, which is important but not specifically related to patient safety goals. Choice D is important for patient care but doesn't directly address medication safety.