A nurse is teaching a group of newly hired nurses about the requirements for disaster planning. Which of the following statements by one of the newly hired nurses indicates an understanding of the teaching?
- A. A staff nurse can function as the incident commander.
- B. An actual disaster cannot take the place of a disaster drill.
- C. A physician must triage victims of a disaster in the emergency department.
- D. Disaster drills should be held on a regular basis.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Disaster drills should be held on a regular basis. This is essential for preparedness and practice in handling emergencies. Regular drills help ensure staff are familiar with procedures, can identify areas for improvement, and maintain readiness.
Incorrect choices: A: A staff nurse typically does not serve as the incident commander, who is usually a designated leader with specific training. B: While disaster drills are crucial, an actual disaster is unpredictable and serves a different purpose. C: Triage in a disaster is often done by trained personnel such as nurses or paramedics, not just physicians.
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A nurse is assigned a group of clients at the start of the shift. Which of the following clients should the nurse plan to care for first?
- A. A client requesting a referral for home health services
- B. A client asking about his PCA pump that contains morphine
- C. A client who needs assistance with a bath
- D. A client who has questions about his new prescription
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. The nurse should plan to care for the client asking about his PCA pump with morphine first. This is because the client's inquiry relates to pain management, which is a priority in nursing care. Pain management directly impacts the client's comfort and well-being. Addressing the client's concerns about the PCA pump promptly ensures proper pain relief and prevents potential complications. Clients requesting referrals, assistance with baths, or questions about prescriptions can be attended to after the client with immediate pain management needs is addressed.
A nurse is participating in a disaster drill for a chemical spill. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first when caring for exposed clients?
- A. Administer antidotes for the chemical agent.
- B. Decontaminate clients by removing contaminated clothing.
- C. Assess clients for respiratory distress.
- D. Document the number of affected clients.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Decontaminating clients by removing contaminated clothing is the first step to prevent further exposure and harm, aligning with disaster response protocols for chemical spills.
An RN is making nursing staff assignments for his team consisting of himself, two licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and an assistive personnel (AP). Which of the following clients should he assume responsibility for?
- A. The client who is in protective isolation
- B. The client who is actively dying and requires IV pain medication
- C. The client who is 3 days postoperative and requires a dressing change
- D. The client who requires frequent ambulation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: The client who is actively dying and requires IV pain medication. The RN should assume responsibility for this client because as the registered nurse, they are the most qualified to manage complex care needs, such as IV pain medication administration and end-of-life care. The RN's advanced knowledge and skills make them best suited to provide appropriate assessment, intervention, and coordination of care in this critical situation.
Choice A is incorrect because the client in protective isolation requires meticulous adherence to infection control practices, which can be safely delegated to the LPNs or AP under the RN's supervision.
Choice C is incorrect as a dressing change for a client 3 days postoperative is within the scope of practice for the LPNs or AP and does not require the RN's direct involvement.
Choice D, the client requiring frequent ambulation, can be delegated to the LPNs or AP, as this task does not require the RN's specialized skill set.
A charge nurse is reviewing the list of tasks that have been delegated to the assistive personnel (AP) by the staff nurse. Which of the following tasks should the charge nurse reassign to a licensed nurse?
- A. Providing a back rub to a client who has right-sided paralysis
- B. Transporting a client who experienced a stroke 72 hr ago to the radiology department
- C. Performing oral hygiene for a client who is 1 day postoperative following an amputation of the right arm
- D. Removing and cleaning the cannula of a client who has a new tracheostomy
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because removing and cleaning the cannula of a client with a new tracheostomy requires specialized skills and knowledge that only a licensed nurse possesses to prevent complications and ensure safety. Providing a back rub (A) can be delegated to an AP as it is within their scope of practice. Transporting a stroke client (B) and performing oral hygiene post-amputation (C) can also be delegated as they do not involve complex nursing assessments or interventions. It is crucial to reassign the tracheostomy care task to a licensed nurse to maintain the client's airway safely.
A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing chest pain. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
- A. Administer prescribed nitroglycerin.
- B. Obtain a 12-lead ECG.
- C. Notify the provider of the chest pain.
- D. Assess the client's pain characteristics.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Assessing the client's pain characteristics provides critical data to guide further actions, such as medication administration or diagnostic testing, and is the first step in managing chest pain.
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