After reviewing the database, the nurse discovers that the patient’s vital signs have not been recorded by the nursing assistive personnel (NAP). Which clinical decision should the nurse make? Administer scheduled medications assuming that the NAP would have reported
- A. abnormal vital signs. Have the patient transported to the radiology department for a scheduled x-ray, and
- B. review vital signs upon return.
- C. Ask the NAP to record the patient’s vital signs before administering medications.
- D. Omit the vital signs because the patient is presently in no distress.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step 1: Safety First - The nurse's priority is patient safety. Without vital signs, medication administration can be unsafe.
Step 2: Accountability - The nurse must ensure accurate and timely vital signs recording before making clinical decisions.
Step 3: Delegation - Asking the NAP to record vital signs aligns with their role and helps maintain a reliable record.
Step 4: Proactive Approach - By having the NAP record vital signs, the nurse can make informed decisions based on accurate data.
Summary:
A: Incorrect - Proceeding with medications without vital signs can risk patient safety.
B: Incorrect - Waiting to review vital signs later can delay necessary interventions.
D: Incorrect - Omitting vital signs is negligent and compromises patient care.
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Which diagnosis will the nurse document in a patient’s care plan that is NANDA-I approved?
- A. Sore throat
- B. Acute pain
- C. Sleep apnea
- D. Heart failure
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Acute pain. The NANDA-I (North American Nursing Diagnosis Association International) approved diagnosis must meet specific criteria related to patient assessment data, defining characteristics, and related factors. Acute pain is a well-defined nursing diagnosis with specific defining characteristics and related factors, making it a suitable and approved option for inclusion in a patient's care plan. Sore throat, sleep apnea, and heart failure do not meet the criteria for a NANDA-I approved diagnosis as they lack the specificity and comprehensive assessment data required for a nursing diagnosis.
After reviewing the database, the nurse discovers that the patient’s vital signs have not been recorded by the nursing assistive personnel (NAP). Which clinical decision should the nurse make? Administer scheduled medications assuming that the NAP would have reported
- A. abnormal vital signs. Have the patient transported to the radiology department for a scheduled x-ray, and
- B. review vital signs upon return.
- C. Ask the NAP to record the patient’s vital signs before administering medications.
- D. Omit the vital signs because the patient is presently in no distress.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale for Choice C:
1. Safety First: Recording vital signs is crucial for patient safety. Asking the NAP to record vital signs ensures the patient's condition is monitored before administering medications.
2. Accountability: Nurses are responsible for ensuring accurate documentation of vital signs. Asking the NAP to record them maintains accountability within the healthcare team.
3. Communication: By requesting the NAP to record vital signs, the nurse fosters effective communication and collaboration in patient care.
Summary of Other Choices:
A: Administering medications without reviewing vital signs could lead to adverse effects if there are abnormalities.
B: Reviewing vital signs upon return delays immediate action and could jeopardize patient safety.
D: Omitting vital signs neglects the essential monitoring required for patient care and could result in missed opportunities for early intervention.
The most effective pharmacologic agent for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease is:
- A. Levodopa
- B. Selegilene
- C. Permax
- D. Symmetrel
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Levodopa. Levodopa is the most effective pharmacologic agent for treating Parkinson's disease because it is converted to dopamine in the brain, replenishing the deficient dopamine levels in Parkinson's patients. Selegiline and Symmetrel are also used in treating Parkinson's, but they are typically used as adjunctive therapy rather than the primary treatment. Permax has been withdrawn from the market due to safety concerns, making it an incorrect choice.
Wilma, His sister and a nurse is suctioning the tracheostomy tube of James. Which of the following, if made by Wilma indicates that she is committing an error?
- A. Hyperventilating James with 100% oxygen before and after suctioning
- B. Instilling 3 to 5 ml normal saline to loosen up secretion
- C. Applying suction during catheter withdrawal
- D. Suction the client every hour
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because hyperventilating James with 100% oxygen before and after suctioning can lead to oxygen toxicity. The rationale is as follows:
1. Hyperventilation with 100% oxygen can lead to increased oxygen levels in the blood, potentially causing oxygen toxicity.
2. Oxygen toxicity can result in lung damage and other complications.
3. It is not recommended to administer 100% oxygen continuously, especially in high concentrations.
Therefore, Wilma committing an error by hyperventilating James with 100% oxygen. Other choices are incorrect because B is a common practice to help loosen secretions, C is correct suctioning technique, and D is a reasonable frequency for suctioning depending on the client's condition.
A patient admitted with gastrointestinal tract bleeding has a hemoglobin level of 6 g/dL. She asks the nurse why she feels SOB. Which response is best?
- A. “Anemia prevents your lungs from absorbing oxygen effectively.”
- B. “You do not have enough hemoglobin to carry oxygen to your tissues.”
- C. “”You don’t have enough blood to feed your cells.”
- D. “You have lost a lot of blood, and that has damaged your lungs.”
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because hemoglobin carries oxygen to the tissues, and with a low hemoglobin level of 6 g/dL, there is insufficient oxygen-carrying capacity to meet the body's needs, leading to shortness of breath (SOB). Choice A is incorrect as anemia affects oxygen transport, not absorption. Choice C is incorrect as anemia affects oxygen delivery, not nutrient delivery. Choice D is incorrect as the primary reason for SOB in this scenario is the lack of oxygen-carrying capacity due to low hemoglobin levels, not lung damage from blood loss.