A newly licensed nurse is preparing to administer medications to a client. The nurse notes that the provider has prescribed a medication that is unfamiliar. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Consult the medication reference book available on the unit.
- B. Administer the medication as ordered.
- C. Ask a colleague for information about the medication.
- D. Contact the provider to clarify the medication.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When encountering an unfamiliar medication, the safest action for a nurse is to consult the medication reference book available on the unit. This resource provides accurate and detailed information about medications, including indications, dosages, side effects, and nursing considerations. Administering a medication without understanding it (choice B) can lead to medication errors and harm to the client. Asking a colleague for information (choice C) may not always provide accurate or up-to-date information. Contacting the provider (choice D) should be reserved for situations where immediate clarification is needed, but consulting the reference book is the initial step to gain knowledge and ensure safe medication administration.
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When reviewing car seat use with the parents of a 1-month-old infant, which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
- A. Use a car seat that has a three-point harness system.
- B. Position the car seat so that the infant is rear-facing.
- C. Secure the car seat in the front passenger seat of the vehicle.
- D. Convert to a booster seat after 12 months.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct instruction for car seat use with a 1-month-old infant is to position the car seat so that the infant is rear-facing. This orientation provides the safest option for infants as it supports their head, neck, and spine. While using a car seat with a three-point harness system is appropriate for infants, placing the car seat in the front passenger seat is not recommended due to the presence of airbags, which can pose a risk to the infant in the event of deployment. Additionally, transitioning to a booster seat is not suitable at 12 months; infants should remain in rear-facing car seats until they outgrow the seat's height or weight limits, typically around 2 years of age.
The nurse is caring for a client with a nasogastric (NG) tube. Which action should the LPN/LVN take to maintain patency of the tube?
- A. Flush the tube with 30 ml of water before and after medication administration.
- B. Secure the tube to the client's gown.
- C. Check the placement of the tube by auscultation.
- D. Irrigate the tube with normal saline every shift.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct action to maintain patency of a nasogastric (NG) tube is to flush the tube with water before and after medication administration. Flushing helps prevent clogging and ensures that the tube remains clear for proper functioning. Securing the tube to the client's gown (Choice B) is important for stability but does not directly address tube patency. Checking the placement of the tube by auscultation (Choice C) is crucial for verifying correct placement but does not specifically relate to maintaining tube patency. Irrigating the tube with normal saline every shift (Choice D) is not a routine practice for maintaining tube patency and can lead to electrolyte imbalances.
A dying client is coping with feelings regarding impending death. The nurse bases care on the theory of death and dying by K¼bler-Ross. During which stage of grieving should the LPN/LVN primarily use nonverbal interventions?
- A. Anger
- B. Denial
- C. Bargaining
- D. Acceptance
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Nonverbal interventions are primarily used during the acceptance stage according to K¼bler-Ross's theory of death and dying. During the acceptance stage, the individual is more likely to be reflective and less communicative, making nonverbal interventions more effective. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because anger, denial, and bargaining are stages that precede the acceptance stage in K¼bler-Ross's model, where verbal communication and processing emotions play a more significant role.
A healthcare professional is explaining the use of written consent forms to a newly-licensed healthcare professional. The healthcare professional should ensure that a written consent form has been signed by which of the following clients?
- A. A client who has a prescription for a transfusion of packed red blood cells.
- B. A client who is scheduled for a routine physical examination.
- C. A client who is undergoing a minor surgical procedure without anesthesia.
- D. A client who has been prescribed a new medication.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct! Written consent is required for procedures that carry significant risks, such as blood transfusions, to ensure the client's informed consent and understanding of the procedure. In this case, a transfusion of packed red blood cells is an invasive procedure that carries risks, making it essential to have the client's written consent. Choices B, C, and D do not typically require written consent as routine physical examinations, minor surgical procedures without anesthesia, and new medication prescriptions do not carry the same level of risk and complexity as a blood transfusion.
A client is expressing anger about his diagnosis of colorectal cancer. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Reassure the client that this is an expected response to grief.
- B. Ignore the client's anger and continue with the plan of care.
- C. Tell the client that anger is not going to help his situation.
- D. Encourage the client to express his anger.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When a client is expressing anger about a diagnosis, it is essential for the nurse to validate the client's feelings. Choice A is correct because reassuring the client that anger is an expected response to grief acknowledges the client's emotions and encourages expression, fostering a therapeutic relationship. This validation helps the client feel understood and supported during a challenging time. Choice B is incorrect as ignoring the client's anger can lead to feelings of neglect and hinder effective communication, which is crucial for providing holistic care. Choice C is inappropriate because telling the client that anger is not helpful dismisses the client's emotions and can further escalate the situation, potentially damaging the nurse-client relationship. Choice D is not the best option as it does not involve acknowledging the client's feelings or providing support and validation, which are vital in promoting emotional well-being and trust between the client and the nurse.