A nurse is documenting client care in the nurses' notes and notices that a space was left blank. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Black out the line with a felt-tip pen
Draw a horizontal line through the space and sign at the end of the line
Place the date at the beginning of the space, followed by double lines
Leave the space as it is within the entry
The Correct Answer is B
A. Black out the line with a felt-tip pen: Blacking out a space or entry is inappropriate because it obscures the original documentation, making the record appear altered or falsified. Medical documentation must remain clear, transparent, and legally defensible at all times.
B. Draw a horizontal line through the space and sign at the end of the line: Drawing a single horizontal line through the blank space ensures that no unauthorized additions can be made later. Signing at the end of the line maintains the integrity and completeness of the medical record, following accepted documentation standards.
C. Place the date at the beginning of the space, followed by double lines: Simply dating the space without properly securing it with a line could leave it open to later insertions. Double lines are also not a recognized standard method for handling blank spaces in documentation.
D. Leave the space as it is within the entry: Leaving a blank space unmarked can create opportunities for someone to add unauthorized information later. This poses legal and ethical risks and compromises the reliability and security of the medical record.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Smoking in bed: Smoking in bed is a major fire hazard and one of the leading causes of residential fires. Falling asleep with a lit cigarette can easily ignite bedding, mattresses, or upholstered furniture, leading to fast-spreading, deadly fires. This behavior significantly increases the risk of injury or death from residential fires.
B. Leaving the stove on: Leaving the stove unattended can also cause kitchen fires, but cooking-related incidents typically lead to localized fires rather than being the top cause of overall residential fires. Proper supervision while cooking is important, but smoking in bed remains a more dangerous, widespread cause of fatal home fires.
C. Lack of smoke detectors: Lack of smoke detectors does not cause fires but delays detection, increasing the risk of injury or death once a fire has already started. While smoke detectors are crucial for early warning and safety, they are not an ignition source that directly leads to the start of residential fires.
D. Placing a space heater 5ft from bed: Placing a space heater 5 feet away from a bed is generally considered safe, as heaters need clearance but are unlikely to cause fires at that distance. Improper use of space heaters can be hazardous, but when correctly placed, they are not the primary cause of residential fires compared to smoking in bed.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Suggest the client exercise before going to bed: While exercise is beneficial for depression, vigorous activity before bedtime can interfere with sleep. It is generally better to recommend exercise earlier in the day to promote better rest and regulate mood.
B. Offer the client low-protein snacks throughout the day: Clients with major depressive disorder may experience changes in appetite, but offering low-protein snacks is not a specific therapeutic intervention. Balanced meals and snacks are more appropriate to support overall nutrition.
C. Encourage the client to use positive self-talk: Positive self-talk can help challenge and change negative thought patterns that are common in major depressive disorder. Encouraging cognitive restructuring strategies like positive affirmations supports emotional healing and coping.
D. Recommend the client spend time alone in his room: Isolation can worsen depressive symptoms by increasing feelings of loneliness and hopelessness. Encouraging social interaction and structured activities is more helpful in managing depression.
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