A healthcare professional is reviewing the notes written by a previous shift. Which documentation reflects proper guidelines?
- A. Incomplete entries are acceptable as long as they are justified
- B. Documentation should include objective observations only
- C. Corrections in documentation should be signed and dated
- D. Entries should be modified by another healthcare professional if necessary
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Proper documentation should include objective observations and detailed notes to ensure continuity of care. Choice A is incorrect because incomplete entries can lead to gaps in information and compromise patient care. Choice C is not completely accurate as corrections should be made in a manner that does not obscure the original entry but does not necessarily require a signature. Choice D is incorrect as entries should ideally be corrected by the original author to maintain accountability and accuracy.
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How should the nurse manage the client's pain if a client with a history of substance abuse is requesting pain medication?
- A. Administer the medication as requested
- B. Assess the patient's pain level first
- C. Administer a placebo to the client
- D. Refuse to give any medication to the client
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When a client with a history of substance abuse requests pain medication, the nurse should first assess the patient's pain level. It is important to determine the nature and intensity of the pain before administering any medication to ensure appropriate pain management. Administering medication without assessing the pain level can lead to unnecessary drug administration or inadequate pain relief. Administering a placebo would be unethical and ineffective. Refusing to give any medication without proper assessment can compromise the client's comfort and recovery. Therefore, the correct approach is to assess the patient's pain level first before deciding on the most suitable pain management intervention.
The healthcare provider is assessing an immobile patient for deep vein thrombosis (DVT). What should the healthcare provider do?
- A. Lightly rub the lower leg to check for redness and tenderness.
- B. Apply elastic stockings every 4 hours.
- C. Measure the calf circumference of both legs.
- D. Flex the foot while assessing for patient discomfort.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Measuring the calf circumference of both legs is crucial when assessing for DVT in an immobile patient. A significant increase in the circumference of one calf compared to the other suggests the presence of a deep vein thrombosis. Option A is incorrect because rubbing the lower leg may dislodge a clot if present. Option B is incorrect as elastic stockings should not be removed frequently as this can increase the risk of clot formation. Option D is incorrect as dorsiflexing the foot can lead to pain and should not be done to assess for DVT.
What should be done to manage a patient with contact precautions?
- A. Wear a mask, gown, and gloves for all patient interactions.
- B. Ensure that visitors wear protective equipment.
- C. Dedicate all patient care equipment to that patient.
- D. Disinfect shared equipment before use.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When managing a patient with contact precautions, it is essential to dedicate all patient care equipment to that specific patient. This practice helps minimize the risk of spreading infections to other patients. Choice A, wearing protective gear for all patient interactions, is a general precaution but not specific to managing a patient with contact precautions. Choice B, ensuring visitors wear protective equipment, is important for infection control but not directly related to managing the patient with contact precautions. Choice D, disinfecting shared equipment before use, is a good practice for infection control in general but does not address the specific needs of a patient under contact precautions.
What is the most important nursing intervention for a patient with diarrhea?
- A. Encourage the patient to increase fluid intake.
- B. Monitor the patient's skin integrity.
- C. Check the patient's electrolyte levels.
- D. Educate the patient about infection control measures.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor the patient's skin integrity. This is crucial because diarrhea can lead to skin breakdown due to frequent bowel movements and increased moisture in the perineal area. By monitoring skin integrity, nurses can prevent skin breakdown, infection, and other associated issues. Encouraging fluid intake (Choice A) is important but not the most critical intervention. Checking electrolyte levels (Choice C) is essential but may not be the top priority at the onset. Educating the patient about infection control (Choice D) is important but secondary to preventing skin breakdown in a patient with diarrhea.
A nurse discovers a discrepancy in the narcotics log. What is the appropriate next step?
- A. Correct the log and notify the pharmacy.
- B. Report the discrepancy to the nurse manager.
- C. Re-administer the narcotic.
- D. Dispose of the narcotic and note the discrepancy.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When a nurse discovers a discrepancy in the narcotics log, the appropriate next step is to report the discrepancy to the nurse manager. This is important to ensure that the issue is properly investigated and addressed. Choice A is incorrect because simply correcting the log and notifying the pharmacy may not address the root cause of the discrepancy. Choice C is incorrect as re-administering the narcotic without clarification could lead to potential harm or legal issues. Choice D is incorrect as disposing of the narcotic without following proper protocols and documentation could result in further complications.