A nurse from the labor and delivery unit is assigned to float to a medical-surgical unit. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Request orientation to the medical-surgical unit.
Refer to the assigned resource nurse regarding client assignments.
Inform the nursing supervisor of the lack of experience on the medical-surgical unit.
Clarify competencies with the medical-surgical charge nurse.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: This is not the correct choice because requesting orientation to the medical-surgical unit is not the first action the nurse should take. Orientation is a process that takes time and planning, and it may not be feasible or necessary for a temporary assignment. The nurse should first ensure that they are competent to perform the tasks and procedures required on the medical-surgical unit.
Choice B reason: This is not the correct choice because referring to the assigned resource nurse regarding client assignments is not the first action the nurse should take. The resource nurse is a person who can provide guidance and support to the nurse during the shift, but they are not responsible for determining the nurse's competencies or assigning clients. The nurse should first communicate with the charge nurse, who is the leader of the unit and has the authority to assign clients according to the nurse's skills and experience.
Choice C reason: This is not the correct choice because informing the nursing supervisor of the lack of experience on the medical-surgical unit is not the first action the nurse should take. The nursing supervisor is a person who can oversee the staffing and operations of the nursing units, but they are not directly involved in the clinical care of the clients or the education of the staff. The nurse should first consult with the charge nurse, who can assess the nurse's competencies and provide appropriate resources and education.
Choice D reason: This is the correct choice because clarifying competencies with the medical-surgical charge nurse is the first action the nurse should take. The charge nurse is a person who can evaluate the nurse's skills and knowledge, assign clients according to the nurse's level of expertise, and provide orientation and training as needed. The nurse should be honest and proactive in communicating their competencies and learning needs to the charge nurse.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Information regarding organ donation is not part of advance directives, but rather a separate document that the client can sign to indicate their willingness to donate their organs or tissues after death. The nurse should inform the client about the option and process of organ donation, but not include it in the advance directives.
Choice B reason: Instructions regarding treatments the client desires or does not desire is part of advance directives, as it allows the client to express their preferences and values regarding their health care in case they become unable to make decisions for themselves. The nurse should help the client understand the benefits and risks of different treatments and document their choices in the advance directives.
Choice C reason: Information regarding the disposition of the client's body upon death is not part of advance directives, but rather a personal or legal matter that the client can arrange with their family or attorney. The nurse should respect the client's wishes regarding their body after death, but not include it in the advance directives.
Choice D reason: A form with directions for contacting next of kin is not part of advance directives, but rather a routine document that the client can fill out when they are admitted to the facility. The nurse should obtain the client's contact information and emergency contacts, but not include it in the advance directives.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is the correct choice because this client has the most urgent and potentially life-threatening problem. Urinary retention after spinal surgery can lead to bladder distension, infection, renal damage, or autonomic dysreflexia (a dangerous rise in blood pressure and heart rate). The nurse should assess the client's bladder, catheterize the client if indicated, and notify the surgeon.
Choice B reason: This is not the correct choice because this client has a serious but not urgent problem. Pancreatic cancer is a malignant tumor that can affect the function of the pancreas and other organs. IV chemotherapy is a treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. The nurse should provide emotional support, education, and symptom management to this client, but they are not the highest priority.
Choice C reason: This is not the correct choice because this client has a chronic but not acute problem. Peripheral vascular disease is a condition that affects the blood vessels outside the heart and brain, causing reduced blood flow to the limbs. An absent pedal pulse indicates poor circulation in the foot, which can lead to pain, numbness, or tissue damage. The nurse should monitor the client's pulses, skin temperature, and color, and teach the client how to prevent complications, but they are not the highest priority.
Choice D reason: This is not the correct choice because this client has a stable but not critical problem. MRSA is a type of bacteria that is resistant to many antibiotics and can cause skin or systemic infections. An axillary temperature of 38°C (101°F) indicates a mild fever, which is a common sign of infection. The nurse should administer antibiotics as prescribed, observe the client for signs of sepsis, and follow infection control precautions, but they are not the highest priority.
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