A nurse on a surgical unit is caring for a group of clients. Which of the following is the priority action of the nurse?
Reassuring the partner of a client who sustained a closed head injury
Reinforcing a client's dressing for the surgical site of an above-the-knee amputation
Taking a telephone prescription about a client who is to be transferred from PACU
Assessing a client who experiences unilateral calf pain when ambulating
The Correct Answer is D
Rationale:
A. Reassuring the partner is important for emotional support but does not directly impact the immediate safety of clients.
B. Reinforcing a dressing is important for wound care but does not address urgent concerns.
C. Taking a telephone prescription is necessary but not as immediate as addressing a potential complication.
D. Assessing a client with unilateral calf pain is the priority as it may indicate a serious condition such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which requires immediate evaluation and intervention.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing Decision Tree provides guidance for decision-making but does not specifically address delegation.
B. The state Nurse Practice Act defines the scope of practice for RNs and LPNs and is essential for understanding what tasks can be delegated.
C. The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 primarily pertains to nursing home regulations and does not directly address task delegation.
D. The National Association for Practical Nurse Education and Services focuses on LPN education and standards, but the state Nurse Practice Act is more directly relevant to delegation.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. A client who has pneumonia and has an axillary temperature of 38° C (101° F) has an elevated temperature, but it is less critical than immediate concerns with circulation.
B. A client who has diarrhea and requests clear liquids for breakfast needs dietary adjustments but does not present as urgent.
C. A client who has a cast on the left leg and reports numbness and paresthesia could be experiencing complications such as compartment syndrome, which is an urgent condition requiring immediate assessment.
D. A client who has type 1 diabetes mellitus and has a fasting blood glucose level of 150 is important to monitor but not as immediately critical as potential complications with circulation.