Nokea
A healthcare provider gives a verbal order for a medication. The nurse is uncomfortable with the order and questions its appropriateness. What should the nurse do?
- A. Refuse to administer the medication and document the refusal.
- B. Clarify the order with the provider before proceeding.
- C. Administer the medication and monitor the patient.
- D. Call a pharmacy consult to discuss the medication.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when uncomfortable with a verbal order for medication is to clarify the order with the provider before proceeding. This ensures patient safety by confirming the appropriateness of the order and prevents any potential harm. Choice A is incorrect because refusing to administer the medication without clarification may delay necessary treatment for the patient. Choice C is incorrect as administering the medication without clarification could pose risks if the order is indeed inappropriate. Choice D is also incorrect as the first step should be direct clarification with the provider before involving others.
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Which intervention is most effective in managing a patient with chronic pain?
- A. Administer opioid medications as prescribed.
- B. Teach the patient relaxation techniques.
- C. Encourage the patient to perform range of motion exercises.
- D. Recommend complete bed rest to minimize pain.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most effective intervention in managing a patient with chronic pain is teaching the patient relaxation techniques. Relaxation techniques can help reduce stress, decrease muscle tension, and improve pain management in patients with chronic pain. Administering opioids as prescribed may have risks of dependence and side effects, making it less favorable as a first-line intervention. Encouraging range of motion exercises can be beneficial, but relaxation techniques directly target stress reduction, a common exacerbating factor in chronic pain. Recommending complete bed rest is generally discouraged in chronic pain management as it can lead to deconditioning and worsen pain over time.
A patient with a left arm fracture reports severe pain unrelieved by medication. What should the nurse assess for?
- A. Check for compartment syndrome
- B. Increase the pain medication
- C. Prepare the patient for surgery immediately
- D. Administer a sedative to calm the patient
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct answer: When a patient with a left arm fracture reports severe pain unrelieved by medication, the nurse should assess for compartment syndrome. Compartment syndrome is a condition where increased pressure within a muscle compartment compromises circulation and can lead to tissue damage. It is a surgical emergency that requires immediate intervention. Choice B is incorrect because simply increasing pain medication without identifying the cause of the unrelieved pain may mask symptoms of a serious issue like compartment syndrome. Choice C is incorrect as surgery would only be necessary if compartment syndrome is confirmed. Choice D is incorrect as administering a sedative does not address the underlying issue of unrelieved pain and may delay appropriate treatment.
A client with leukemia is considered for a bone marrow transplant. Which principle of healthcare ethics is being practiced by minimizing harm to the client?
- A. Justice
- B. Beneficence
- C. Nonmaleficence
- D. Autonomy
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Nonmaleficence. Nonmaleficence is the ethical principle that focuses on avoiding harm to the patient. In this scenario, by considering a bone marrow transplant for the client with leukemia, healthcare professionals are practicing nonmaleficence by aiming to minimize harm. Choice A, Justice, pertains to fairness in the distribution of resources and decisions, which is not the primary focus in this situation. Choice B, Beneficence, involves promoting the patient's well-being, which is related but not directly addressing the act of minimizing harm. Choice D, Autonomy, refers to respecting the patient's right to make decisions about their own care, which is not the key principle at play when minimizing harm in this context.
A nurse notices that a colleague has an odor of alcohol while on duty. What is the most appropriate action?
- A. Speak to the colleague in private.
- B. Report the behavior to the nurse manager immediately.
- C. Confront the colleague directly on the floor.
- D. Do nothing and document the situation.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Reporting the behavior to the nurse manager immediately is the most appropriate action when a nurse suspects a colleague of being impaired while on duty. This is crucial to ensure patient safety and maintain a professional and safe work environment. Speaking to the colleague in private may not address the issue effectively and could potentially put patients at risk if the colleague is indeed impaired. Confronting the colleague directly on the floor may lead to a confrontation and is not the most professional way to handle the situation. Doing nothing and documenting the situation without taking immediate action can jeopardize patient safety and is not an appropriate response when substance use is suspected.
A client who had a stroke is complaining of left-side weakness. What should the nurse prioritize?
- A. Initiate physical therapy immediately.
- B. Contact the physical therapy team.
- C. Reassess the client after administering pain medication.
- D. Start treatment immediately without consulting anyone.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to contact the physical therapy team. When a client who had a stroke presents with left-side weakness, the nurse should prioritize coordinating with the physical therapy team rather than immediately initiating physical therapy. The initial step should involve assessing the client's condition and involving the appropriate healthcare team for a comprehensive care plan. Administering pain medication or starting treatment without consulting others can delay or hinder the appropriate care needed for the client's recovery.