A newly licensed nurse is applying for their first job and wants guidance on pay.
Which of the following professional standards should the nurse review?

Choice A rationale:

Health education involves providing information and knowledge to clients about their health, which is essential but doesn't directly relate to the nurse's action of blood pressure screening. This choice is less appropriate in this context.

Choice B rationale:

Health promotion encompasses actions that aim to enhance an individual's well-being and prevent illness. Blood pressure screening is a preventive measure to identify individuals at risk of hypertension, making it a key component of health promotion. The nurse is contributing to the client's overall health by identifying potential hypertension issues.

Choice C rationale:

Holistic health refers to a broader approach to healthcare that considers the physical, mental, and social aspects of an individual. While it's essential, the nurse's specific action of blood pressure screening doesn't necessarily encompass all these aspects. It's more focused on identifying a specific health condition.

Choice D rationale:

Disease prevention involves activities to prevent the occurrence or progression of diseases. Blood pressure screening falls under this category as it aims to prevent complications related to hypertension, making this choice a relevant consideration. However, "Health promotion" is a more precise and comprehensive description of the nurse's role in this scenario.

The correct answer is: A

Choice A reason: Providing the nurse administering medications with an identifying vest can help reduce medication errors by making it easier for other staff and patients to identify the nurse responsible for medication administration. This can minimize interruptions and distractions, which are common causes of medication errors. It also serves as a visual reminder to the nurse of their critical role in medication safety.

Choice B reason: Removing medications from automatic dispensing systems before they are reviewed by pharmacists is not a recommended practice. Pharmacists play a crucial role in reviewing prescriptions for accuracy and potential drug interactions before dispensing. Therefore, medications should remain in the dispensing system until they have been properly reviewed and approved by a pharmacist.

Choice C reason: Waiting to document medications given to clients until the end of a shift is not advisable. Accurate and timely documentation is essential in healthcare, particularly when it comes to medication administration. Documentation should occur as soon as the medication is given to ensure that all healthcare providers have up-to-date information and to prevent errors such as omissions or duplications.

Choice D reason: Preparing medications for multiple clients at the same time increases the risk of errors, such as mix-ups between patients or incorrect dosing. It is best practice to prepare and administer medications for one client at a time, following the ‘five rights’ of medication administration: the right patient, the right drug, the right dose, the right route, and the right time.