A healthcare provider notices a discrepancy in the narcotics log. What is the appropriate response?
- A. Correct the narcotics log and move on.
- B. Report the discrepancy to the supervisor.
- C. Confront the provider responsible for the discrepancy.
- D. Dispose of the medication and ignore the discrepancy.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When a healthcare provider notices a discrepancy in the narcotics log, the appropriate response is to report the issue to the supervisor. Reporting discrepancies is crucial to maintain accountability and prevent potential misuse. Choice A is incorrect because simply correcting the log without addressing the underlying issue does not ensure accountability. Choice C is inappropriate as confronting the provider directly may not be the best approach and could lead to a confrontational situation. Choice D is highly inappropriate as ignoring the discrepancy and disposing of medication without proper documentation can lead to serious consequences.
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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.
When administering IV fluids to a dehydrated patient, what is the nurse's priority assessment?
- A. Monitor the patient's electrolyte levels.
- B. Assess the patient's blood pressure regularly.
- C. Monitor the patient's heart rate every 4 hours.
- D. Check the patient's urine output hourly.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to assess the patient's blood pressure regularly. Monitoring blood pressure is crucial when administering IV fluids to a dehydrated patient as it helps in evaluating the patient's fluid status. Changes in blood pressure can indicate the effectiveness of the fluid therapy, the patient's response to treatment, and the possibility of complications such as fluid overload or hypovolemia. Monitoring electrolyte levels (Choice A) is essential but not the priority when assessing a dehydrated patient receiving IV fluids. Heart rate (Choice C) should be monitored more frequently than every 4 hours in such a situation. Checking urine output (Choice D) is important but not as critical as assessing blood pressure in this scenario.
A patient recovering from a stroke has difficulty swallowing. Which action should the nurse prioritize?
- A. Begin feeding the patient soft solids.
- B. Place the patient on NPO (nothing by mouth) status.
- C. Provide ice chips to help soothe the throat.
- D. Start the patient on a clear liquid diet.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to place the patient on NPO (nothing by mouth) status. Patients recovering from a stroke with difficulty swallowing are at high risk for aspiration, which can lead to serious complications like aspiration pneumonia. Therefore, the priority is to keep the patient on NPO until a thorough evaluation by a healthcare provider is completed. Choice A is incorrect as feeding the patient soft solids can increase the risk of aspiration. Choice C is incorrect as providing ice chips may further compromise swallowing safety. Choice D is incorrect as starting the patient on a clear liquid diet can also increase the risk of aspiration in this scenario.
The nurse is performing hand hygiene before assisting a healthcare provider with insertion of a chest tube. While washing hands, the nurse touches the sink. Which action will the nurse take next?
- A. Repeat handwashing using antiseptic soap.
- B. Inform the healthcare provider and recruit another nurse to assist.
- C. Extend the handwashing procedure to 5 minutes.
- D. Rinse and dry hands and begin assisting the healthcare provider.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. The sink is considered a contaminated area. When hand hygiene is compromised during the process, it is essential to repeat handwashing using antiseptic soap to ensure proper hygiene. Choice B is incorrect because the situation can be managed by proper handwashing. Choice C is incorrect as extending the handwashing procedure to 5 minutes is not necessary in this scenario. Choice D is incorrect as the hands need to be properly cleaned before assisting the healthcare provider.
A patient is at risk for impaired skin integrity. What is the priority intervention for the nurse?
- A. Turn and reposition the patient every 2 hours.
- B. Apply a moisture barrier to the patient's skin.
- C. Massage the patient's skin to promote circulation.
- D. Apply a heating pad to the patient's skin to increase blood flow.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to turn and reposition the patient every 2 hours. This intervention is crucial in preventing pressure ulcers and maintaining skin integrity by relieving pressure on bony prominences. Applying a moisture barrier (Choice B) is important for moisture-associated skin damage but is not the priority in this case. Massaging the patient's skin (Choice C) can potentially cause friction and shear, increasing the risk of skin breakdown. Applying a heating pad (Choice D) can lead to burns or thermal injuries, exacerbating skin integrity issues.