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.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
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 B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Acute pancreatitis may require specialized medical management that might be beyond the RN’s experience from a different unit.
B. A client one-day postoperative following a total abdominal hysterectomy is appropriate for an RN with general surgical experience, as it involves standard postoperative care.
C. A client who had a stroke may require more specialized neuro care and assessment than the RN might be familiar with.
D. Terminal end-stage renal disease requires specialized care and experience in managing complex chronic conditions.