Which nursing assessment is an example of brevity and clarity while meeting legal guidelines?
“Taking fluids poorly, but more than yesterday."
"Apparently comfortable all night. Offers no complaints of pain."
"Patient says she is still slightly nauseated, would like to try some toast and tea."
"4 cm reddened area over sacrum. Skin intact, warm, and dry."
The Correct Answer is D
A. “Taking fluids poorly, but more than yesterday."
This assessment is vague (“taking fluids poorly”), lacks measurable details, and does not meet the clarity standard required in documentation.
B. "Apparently comfortable all night. Offers no complaints of pain."
“Apparently comfortable” is an assumption rather than an observable, objective statement, which could be legally questionable.
C. "Patient says she is still slightly nauseated, would like to try some toast and tea."
While this is clear, “slightly nauseated” could be more specific, and this does not objectively quantify the patient’s condition.
D. "4 cm reddened area over sacrum. Skin intact, warm, and dry."
This statement is concise, uses precise measurements, and includes objective data, meeting legal documentation guidelines.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Guarding the confidentiality of the patient record by not leaving the patient screen "on" if he leaves the terminal. Protecting patient confidentiality is essential in electronic charting to prevent unauthorized access.
B. Learning the passwords of the staff nurses and primary care providers so that they can communicate with one another. Sharing or learning others' passwords violates security protocols and confidentiality rules.
C. Choosing whether he will use the computer to help in documentation or continue to use traditional paper documentation. In facilities using electronic charting, all staff are typically required to use the system to maintain consistent, accessible records.
D. Patient education to input information about herself, such as intake and output or symptoms the patient may experience. Patients typically do not have access to chart directly into their medical records.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Follows agency policy for correcting the error.
Following agency policy is the best approach, as it ensures compliance with legal and procedural standards for correcting documentation errors.
B. Whites out the wrong entry and writes the note in the chart of the correct patient. Whiting out errors is not permissible, as it can appear as an attempt to alter records and compromises the integrity of documentation.
C. Removes the page on which the error is located and documents the other correct notes. Removing pages from a medical record is improper and could be considered tampering with documentation.
D. Blacks out the note to protect the confidentiality of the patient about whom it was written and writes in the margin "wrong patient," his signature, and the date and time.
Blacking out notes is not allowed, as it destroys information that should remain legible, even if it was written in error.