A charge nurse is making client assignments in the Intensive Care Department. The healthcare team consists of one nurse with 10 years experience, one nurse with 5 years experience, and a new graduate nurse who just completed a 12-week internship. Which client should the nurse assign to the new graduate nurse?
A client with multisystem failure secondary to a motor vehicle collision.
A client in end-stage liver failure who is experiencing esophageal bleeding.
A client with Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome who is on a ventilator.
A client with chest tubes secondary to a stab wound to the chest.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason: A client with multisystem failure secondary to a motor vehicle collision is not an appropriate assignment for the new graduate nurse. This client has complex and unstable needs that require advanced assessment, intervention, and evaluation skills. The nurse should assign this client to a nurse with 10 years experience, who has more expertise and confidence in managing critically ill clients.
Choice B Reason: A client in end-stage liver failure who is experiencing esophageal bleeding is not an appropriate assignment for the new graduate nurse. This client has a high risk of complications such as hemorrhage, infection, hepatic encephalopathy, and hepatic coma. The nurse should assign this client to a nurse with 5 years experience, who has more knowledge and skill in providing palliative care and managing bleeding disorders.
Choice C Reason: A client with Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome who is on a ventilator is not an appropriate assignment for the new graduate nurse. This client has a life-threatening condition that requires close monitoring of respiratory status, oxygenation, and hemodynamics. The nurse should assign this client to a nurse with 10 years of experience, who has more competence and proficiency in caring for ventilated clients and interpreting data from invasive devices.
Choice D Reason: A client with chest tubes secondary to a stab wound to the chest is an appropriate assignment for the new graduate nurse. This client has a relatively stable condition that requires routine care of chest tubes, pain management, and wound healing. The nurse should assign this client to the new graduate nurse, who has learned the basic principles and techniques of chest tube management during the refresher course and the internship. The charge nurse should also provide supervision and support to the new graduate nurse as needed.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is not the best action because it is a medication error that can be corrected and prevented by following the rights of medication administration. The nurse manager should counsel the staff nurse and provide education on safe medication practices.
Choice B Reason: This is the best action because it is a serious breach of professional ethics and standards. The nurse manager should report the staff nurse to the PRC for falsifying documentation and compromising client care.
Choice C Reason: This is not the best action because it is a mistake that can be rectified by removing the diet tray and notifying the healthcare provider. The nurse manager should reprimand the staff nurse and review the policy on NPO status.
Choice D Reason: This is not the best action because it is a minor issue that can be resolved by communicating with the charge nurse and other staff members. The nurse manager should remind the staff nurse of the importance of teamwork and collaboration.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This client may have an infection or sepsis, which are life-threatening complications of surgery. The nurse should assess the client's vital signs, wound appearance, and laboratory results, and notify the physician immediately.
Choice B reason: This client has a chest tube to drain the pleural fluid and re-expand the lung. The amount of drainage is within normal limits and does not indicate an emergency. The nurse should monitor the client's respiratory status, oxygen saturation, and chest tube function.
Choice C reason: This client has a gunshot wound that may have caused tissue damage and bleeding. The dressing with 2 cm-sized dark red drainage may indicate fresh bleeding, but it is not excessive. The nurse should check the dressing for signs of infection, change it as ordered, and report any changes to the physician.
Choice D reason: This client has a Jackson-Pratt drain to collect the fluid from the surgical site after a mastectomy. The amount of serosanguineous fluid is expected and does not indicate a problem. The nurse should empty and measure the drain output, record it, and report any abnormalities to the physician.

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