A nurse is prioritizing care for four clients. Which of the following tasks should the nurse perform first?
Initiate oxygen therapy via nasal cannula for a client who has COPD.
Initiate a 24-hr urine collection for a client who has end-stage kidney disease.
Administer an antibiotic for a client who has methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
Change the dressing for a client who has a decubitus ulcer.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Initiating oxygen therapy for a client with COPD is a priority because oxygenation is critical for clients with respiratory conditions. Hypoxia can lead to serious complications, making this intervention urgent.
B. While initiating a 24-hour urine collection is important for monitoring kidney function, it does not require immediate action compared to the need for oxygen therapy in a client with respiratory distress.
C. Administering antibiotics is essential, especially for a client with an infection like MRSA; however, the need for immediate oxygen therapy takes precedence over medication administration.
D. Changing the dressing for a decubitus ulcer is important for preventing infection and promoting healing but is not as time-sensitive as ensuring adequate oxygenation for the client with COPD.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Notifying the nurse manager is important, but it is not the immediate priority when a family member has fainted.
B. Completing an incident report is necessary for documentation but should occur after addressing the immediate medical concern.
C. Obtaining the family member's health history is not pertinent at this moment as the priority is to assess their current condition.
D. Checking the family member's vital signs is the first action to determine their immediate health status and any necessary interventions to provide appropriate care.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Setting specific times for low-priority tasks may not be the most efficient use of time, as client needs can change throughout the shift.
B. Performing complicated tasks independently may not be safe, as it is essential to collaborate with other healthcare team members when necessary for patient safety.
C. Postponing checking for new prescriptions until medications are due could lead to delays in care and negatively impact client outcomes; it's important to check for updates promptly.
D. Clustering care activities for each client promotes efficiency, minimizes interruptions, and helps ensure that all care needs are met in a timely manner.