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 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.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is not the correct answer because offering to notify the health care provider after morning rounds are completed is not the first action that the critically thinking nurse should take. The nurse should act promptly and advocate for the patient's pain management needs, rather than delaying the communication with the health care provider.
Choice B reason: This is the correct answer because exploring other options for pain relief is the first action that the critically thinking nurse should take. The nurse should assess the patient's pain level, location, quality, and contributing factors, and use a multimodal approach to pain management that includes pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, such as ice, heat, distraction, relaxation, or massage.
Choice C reason: This is not the correct answer because discussing the surgical procedure and reason for the pain is not the first action that the critically thinking nurse should take. The nurse should focus on alleviating the patient's pain, rather than educating the patient about the surgery. The nurse can provide information and reassurance to the patient after the pain is controlled.
Choice D reason: This is not the correct answer because explaining to the patient that nothing else has been ordered is not the first action that the critically thinking nurse should take. The nurse should not dismiss the patient's pain or imply that the patient has no other options for pain relief. The nurse should collaborate with the patient and the health care provider to find the best pain management plan for the patient.
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