A nursing instructor is reviewing documentation w/a group of nursing students. Which of the following legal guidelines should they follow when documenting a client's record? Select all.
- A. Cover errors w/correction fluid, & write in the correct info
- B. Put the date & time on all entries
- C. Document objective data, leaving out opinions
- D. Use as many abbreviations as possible
- E. Wait until the end of the shift to document
Correct Answer: B, C
Rationale: Correct Answer: B, C
Rationale:
B: Putting the date and time on all entries is crucial for accurate documentation, ensuring a clear timeline of events for continuity of care and legal purposes.
C: Documenting objective data without opinions maintains professionalism and accuracy, preventing subjective biases from affecting the client's record.
Incorrect Choices:
A: Covering errors with correction fluid can be seen as tampering with records, potentially leading to legal issues and compromising the integrity of the documentation.
D: Using excessive abbreviations can lead to misinterpretations and errors in communication, jeopardizing patient safety and legal clarity.
E: Waiting until the end of the shift to document can result in information being missed or forgotten, impacting the quality of care and legal accountability.
You may also like to solve these questions
A nurse educator is reviewing with a newly hired nurse the difference in clinical manifestations of a localized vs. a systemic infection. The nurse indicates understanding when she states that which of the following are clinical manifestations of a systemic infection? Select all.
- A. Fever
- B. Malaise
- C. Edema
- D. Pain or tenderness
- E. Increase in pulse & respiratory rate
Correct Answer: A, B, E
Rationale: The correct answer is A, B, E. Fever is a common systemic response to infection as the body raises its temperature to help fight off pathogens. Malaise, a general feeling of discomfort or uneasiness, is also a systemic manifestation indicating a more widespread infection affecting overall well-being. An increase in pulse and respiratory rate can indicate systemic involvement as the body tries to cope with the infection. Edema, pain, or tenderness are more indicative of localized infections and not typically seen in systemic infections.
A nurse who is admitting a client who has a fractured femur obtains a blood pressure reading of 140/94 mmHg. The client denies any history of hypertension. Which of the following actions should the nurse take next?
- A. Request a prescription for an antihypertensive medication
- B. Ask the client if she is having pain
- C. Request a prescription for an anti-anxiety medication
- D. Return in 30 minutes to recheck the client's BP
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. When a client with a fractured femur presents with an elevated blood pressure reading, it is important for the nurse to first assess if the client is in pain. Pain can cause an increase in blood pressure due to stress and sympathetic nervous system activation. Addressing pain management is crucial to providing holistic care and may help lower the blood pressure without the need for antihypertensive medications. Requesting an antihypertensive medication (choice A) without addressing the potential pain issue would not be appropriate at this time. Similarly, requesting an anti-anxiety medication (choice C) without further assessment would not address the underlying cause of the elevated blood pressure. Returning in 30 minutes to recheck the client's BP (choice D) is not as proactive as addressing the potential pain issue immediately.
A nurse is caring for a client who is on a low-residue diet. The nurse should expect to see which of the following foods on the client's meal tray?
- A. Cooked barley
- B. Pureed broccoli
- C. Vanilla custard
- D. Lentil soup
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Vanilla custard. A low-residue diet aims to minimize fiber intake to reduce the bulk and frequency of bowel movements. Vanilla custard is low in fiber, making it suitable for this diet. Cooked barley (A) and lentil soup (D) are high in fiber and not recommended. Pureed broccoli (B) contains fiber and should be avoided. In summary, vanilla custard is the best choice for a low-residue diet due to its low fiber content compared to the other options.
A nurse in a provider's office is preparing to assess a young adult male client's musculoskeletal system as part of a comprehensive physical examination. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect? Select all.
- A. A concave thoracic spine posteriorly
- B. An exaggerated lumbar curvature
- C. A concave lumbar spine posteriorly
- D. An exaggerated thoracic curvature
- E. Muscles slightly larger on his dominant side
Correct Answer: C, E
Rationale: Correct Answer: C, E
Rationale:
C: A concave lumbar spine posteriorly is expected in a young adult male due to the normal lordotic curve in the lumbar region for weight-bearing support.
E: Muscles slightly larger on his dominant side is an expected finding as asymmetry in muscle size and strength is common due to dominant limb use.
Incorrect Choices:
A: A concave thoracic spine posteriorly is not a normal finding and may indicate poor posture or spinal deformity.
B: An exaggerated lumbar curvature is not expected in a young adult male and may suggest a potential spinal issue.
D: An exaggerated thoracic curvature is not typical in a young adult male and may indicate abnormal spinal curvature.
A nurse is working with a newly hired nurse who is administering meds to clients. Which of the following actions by the newly hired nurse indicates an understanding of med error prevention?
- A. Taking all meds out of the unit-dose wrappers before entering the client's room.
- B. Checking with the provider when a single dose requires administration of multiple tablets.
- C. Administering a med, then looking up the usual dosage range.
- D. Relying on another nurse to clarify a med prescription.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Choice B demonstrates understanding of med error prevention because checking with the provider when a single dose requires administration of multiple tablets ensures accuracy in medication administration. This step helps prevent medication errors related to dosage calculation and administration. By consulting the provider, the nurse confirms the correct dosage and avoids potential overdosing or underdosing, which are common causes of medication errors. This action aligns with the principles of safe medication administration and prioritizes patient safety.
Incorrect Choices:
A: Taking all meds out of the unit-dose wrappers before entering the client's room can lead to medication mix-ups and errors, as it increases the risk of confusion and misidentification of medications.
C: Administering a med, then looking up the usual dosage range is risky as it may result in incorrect dosing and jeopardize patient safety.
D: Relying on another nurse to clarify a med prescription is problematic as it bypasses the responsibility of verifying medication orders directly with the prescriber