A healthcare provider writes a medication order that seems excessively high for the patient's condition. What is the nurse's first step?
- A. Administer the medication immediately.
- B. Hold the medication and consult the provider.
- C. Reduce the dose without consulting the provider.
- D. Administer the medication after double-checking with another nurse.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct first step for the nurse when encountering a medication order that appears excessively high for the patient's condition is to hold the medication and consult the provider. Administering the medication immediately (Choice A) without clarification could pose a risk to the patient's safety. Reducing the dose without consulting the provider (Choice C) is not recommended as it may lead to suboptimal treatment. Administering the medication after double-checking with another nurse (Choice D) is not sufficient; consulting the provider directly is crucial to ensure the accuracy and safety of the medication order.
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What is the most appropriate action for a healthcare provider to take when a patient is at risk for falls?
- A. Place the call light within the patient's reach.
- B. Apply a yellow fall risk bracelet to the patient.
- C. Assist the patient when ambulating.
- D. Ensure the patient's room is well-lit.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to apply a yellow fall risk bracelet to the patient. This action helps alert staff to the patient's increased risk of falling, prompting them to implement appropriate safety measures and precautions. Placing the call light within reach (choice A) is generally important but does not specifically address fall risk. Assisting the patient when ambulating (choice C) is important but may not be sufficient alone to prevent falls. Ensuring the patient's room is well-lit (choice D) is also crucial for patient safety but does not directly address the patient's fall risk status.
When educating a patient with hypertension about lifestyle changes, what is the most crucial advice to provide?
- A. Advise the patient to reduce salt intake.
- B. Instruct the patient to limit alcohol consumption.
- C. Recommend the patient to exercise for 30 minutes every day.
- D. Instruct the patient to avoid high-cholesterol foods.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The most critical lifestyle change for a patient with hypertension is to reduce salt intake. Excessive salt consumption can lead to increased blood pressure levels. While limiting alcohol consumption (Choice B) and regular exercise (Choice C) are also beneficial for managing hypertension, reducing salt intake has a more direct impact on blood pressure control. Avoiding high-cholesterol foods (Choice D) is important for heart health but may not have as significant an impact on blood pressure as reducing salt intake.
Which goal is most appropriate for a patient who has had a total hip replacement?
- A. The nurse will assist the patient in ambulating in the hall 2 times a day.
- B. The patient will walk 100 feet using a walker by the time of discharge.
- C. The patient will ambulate briskly on the treadmill by the time of discharge.
- D. The patient will ambulate independently by the time of discharge.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Choice B is the most appropriate goal for a patient who has had a total hip replacement because it is specific, measurable, and achievable. Walking 100 feet using a walker is a realistic and individualized target for a patient in the recovery phase following hip surgery. Choices A, C, and D are not as suitable: Choice A does not specify a measurable distance or objective, Choice C sets a potentially unrealistic expectation for brisk ambulation on a treadmill, and Choice D lacks the specificity of the distance to be walked.
A client with a history of falls is under the care of a nurse. Which intervention is most important to implement?
- A. Increase the frequency of bed checks.
- B. Use bed alarms to prevent falls.
- C. Keep the room well lit during the day.
- D. Encourage the client to use a walker for mobility.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Using bed alarms to prevent falls is the most important intervention to implement for a client with a history of falls. Bed alarms can provide timely alerts to the healthcare team, allowing for quick assistance to prevent falls. Increasing the frequency of bed checks may not necessarily prevent falls as effectively as direct intervention with bed alarms. Keeping the room well lit is important for general safety but may not address the immediate risk of falls. Encouraging the client to use a walker for mobility is beneficial but may not be as crucial as implementing bed alarms to prevent falls in this scenario.
A client with a history of seizures is admitted for monitoring. What should the nurse prioritize?
- A. Ensure the client is on seizure precautions.
- B. Educate the client about seizure triggers.
- C. Monitor for signs of an impending seizure.
- D. Initiate IV access for anti-seizure medication.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to ensure the client is on seizure precautions. This is crucial in preventing injury during a seizure episode. While educating the client about seizure triggers (choice B) is important for long-term management, it is not the priority when the client is admitted for monitoring. Monitoring for signs of an impending seizure (choice C) is essential but does not address immediate safety concerns. Initiating IV access for anti-seizure medication (choice D) is not the priority unless a seizure occurs and medical intervention is needed.