A nurse administers an antihypertensive medication to a patient at the scheduled time of 0900. The nursing assistant then reports to the nurse that the patient's blood pressure was low when it was taken at 0830. The patient begins to complain of feeling dizzy and light-headed. The blood pressure is re-checked and it has dropped even lower. The nurse first made an error in what phase of the nursing process?
Assessment
Planning
Diagnosis
Evaluation
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Assessment is the first and most important phase of the nursing process, as it involves collecting and analyzing data about the patient's health status, needs, and preferences. The nurse should have assessed the patient's blood pressure before administering the antihypertensive medication, as it could have been contraindicated or required a dosage adjustment. By failing to do so, the nurse put the patient at risk of hypotension and its complications.
Choice B reason: Planning is the second phase of the nursing process, in which the nurse sets goals and outcomes for the patient's care and selects appropriate interventions. The nurse did not make an error in this phase, as the administration of the antihypertensive medication was part of the plan of care for the patient with hypertension.
Choice C reason: Diagnosis is the third phase of the nursing process, in which the nurse identifies the patient's actual or potential health problems based on the assessment data. The nurse did not make an error in this phase, as the diagnosis of hypertension was accurate and supported by the patient's history and vital signs.
Choice D reason: Evaluation is the fourth and final phase of the nursing process, in which the nurse measures the patient's progress and outcomes and modifies the plan of care as needed. The nurse did not make an error in this phase, as the re-checking of the blood pressure and the recognition of the patient's symptoms were part of the evaluation process. However, the nurse should have also notified the provider and implemented interventions to treat the hypotension.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is not the correct answer because reassessing the patient is not the next step after completing an assessment. Reassessment is done periodically or when there is a change in the patient's condition, but not immediately after the initial assessment.
Choice B reason: This is not the correct answer because writing nursing interventions is not the next step after completing an assessment. Nursing interventions are the actions that the nurse plans and implements to achieve the desired outcomes for the patient. They are based on the nursing diagnoses, which are derived from the analysis of the assessment data.
Choice C reason: This is the correct answer because analyzing cues is the next step after completing an assessment. Analysis is the process of identifying patterns, relationships, and trends in the assessment data, and comparing them with the normal and expected findings. Analysis helps the nurse to identify the patient's problems, needs, strengths, and risks.
Choice D reason: This is not the correct answer because creating SMART goals is not the next step after completing an assessment. SMART goals are the specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound outcomes that the nurse and the patient agree on. They are based on the nursing diagnoses, which are derived from the analysis of the assessment data.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is the correct answer because stabilizing the object is the priority nursing action for a penetrating eye injury. Stabilizing the object prevents further damage to the eye structures and reduces the risk of infection and bleeding. The nurse should use a protective shield or cup to cover the eye and secure the object in place, and avoid applying any pressure or movement to the eye.
Choice B reason: This is not the correct answer because applying anesthetic drops is not the priority nursing action for a penetrating eye injury. Anesthetic drops may provide some relief from pain and discomfort, but they do not address the underlying problem of the object in the eye. Anesthetic drops should only be used under the direction of a physician, and after the object has been stabilized.
Choice C reason: This is not the correct answer because removing the object is not the priority nursing action for a penetrating eye injury. Removing the object is a surgical procedure that should only be performed by a qualified physician in a sterile environment. Attempting to remove the object by the nurse may cause more harm to the eye and increase the risk of complications.
Choice D reason: This is not the correct answer because applying eye ointment is not the priority nursing action for a penetrating eye injury. Eye ointment may interfere with the visualization and assessment of the eye, and may also contaminate the wound and cause infection. Eye ointment should only be used under the direction of a physician, and after the object has been stabilized.
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