During change-of-shift report, a nurse discovers they overlooked a prescription for a type and cross-match of a client who is to have surgery the next day. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Inform the provider of the delay in obtaining the type and cross-match.
Document the incident in the client’s medical record.
Prepare an incident report for risk management.
Obtain the client’s type and cross-match.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason:
Informing the provider of the delay in obtaining the type and cross-match is important for keeping the healthcare team informed. However, this action should follow the immediate step of obtaining the type and cross-match to ensure the client has compatible blood available for surgery. Communication with the provider is crucial but secondary to addressing the immediate need.
Choice B Reason:
Documenting the incident in the client’s medical record is necessary for maintaining accurate records and ensuring continuity of care. However, this action should be performed after the immediate need for obtaining the type and cross-match is addressed. Accurate documentation is essential but not the first priority in this situation.
Choice C Reason:
Preparing an incident report for risk management is important for identifying and addressing potential system issues that led to the oversight. However, this action is not the immediate priority. The primary focus should be on obtaining the type and cross-match to ensure the client’s safety during surgery. Incident reporting can be done after the immediate needs are met.
Choice D Reason:
Obtaining the client’s type and cross-match is the first action the nurse should take because it ensures that the client will have compatible blood available for transfusion if needed during surgery. This step directly addresses the immediate clinical need and prioritizes the client’s safety and readiness for surgery.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A: I will walk three times per week.
Walking is a weight-bearing exercise, which is crucial for maintaining bone density and reducing the risk of osteoporosis. Regular physical activity, especially weight-bearing exercises like walking, helps stimulate bone formation and slows down bone loss. The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends at least 30 minutes of weight-bearing exercise on most days of the week to help prevent osteoporosis.
Choice B: I will avoid exposure to the sun.
Avoiding sun exposure is not advisable for reducing the risk of osteoporosis. Sunlight is a natural source of vitamin D, which is essential for calcium absorption and bone health. While excessive sun exposure can be harmful, moderate exposure helps the body produce sufficient vitamin D. Therefore, avoiding sun exposure entirely can lead to vitamin D deficiency, increasing the risk of osteoporosis.
Choice C: I will take 250 milligrams of calcium once per day.
The recommended daily intake of calcium for older adults is significantly higher than 250 milligrams. For adults aged 51 and older, the National Institutes of Health recommends 1,200 milligrams of calcium per day. Adequate calcium intake is vital for maintaining bone health and preventing osteoporosis. Therefore, taking only 250 milligrams of calcium per day is insufficient to meet the body’s needs.
Choice D: I will decrease my intake of dairy products.
Dairy products are a primary source of calcium, which is essential for bone health. Reducing the intake of dairy products can lead to inadequate calcium intake, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. Instead, older adults should ensure they consume enough dairy or other calcium-rich foods to meet their daily calcium requirements.

Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Informing the provider of the delay in obtaining the type and cross-match is important for keeping the healthcare team informed. However, this action should follow the immediate step of obtaining the type and cross-match to ensure the client has compatible blood available for surgery. Communication with the provider is crucial but secondary to addressing the immediate need.
Choice B Reason:
Documenting the incident in the client’s medical record is necessary for maintaining accurate records and ensuring continuity of care. However, this action should be performed after the immediate need for obtaining the type and cross-match is addressed. Accurate documentation is essential but not the first priority in this situation.
Choice C Reason:
Preparing an incident report for risk management is important for identifying and addressing potential system issues that led to the oversight. However, this action is not the immediate priority. The primary focus should be on obtaining the type and cross-match to ensure the client’s safety during surgery. Incident reporting can be done after the immediate needs are met.
Choice D Reason:
Obtaining the client’s type and cross-match is the first action the nurse should take because it ensures that the client will have compatible blood available for transfusion if needed during surgery. This step directly addresses the immediate clinical need and prioritizes the client’s safety and readiness for surgery.