A nursing student uses an uncommon and unrecognized abbreviation when charting on a patient.
While re-educating the student nurse, what reasoning should the nurse provide for not using uncommon and unrecognized abbreviations?

"The medical record is a legal document and using abbreviations is forbidden.”.

"Abbreviations should only be used when charting units of measurement!".

"Uncommon and unrecognized abbreviations could be misunderstood and compromise patient safety.”.

"Uncommon and unrecognized abbreviations can be used if you first provide education to the nursing staff on what they mean.”. .

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A rationale:

The statement that abbreviations are forbidden on a medical record is not entirely accurate. While there are specific abbreviations that should be avoided, not all abbreviations are forbidden. The key is to use recognized and standard abbreviations to prevent misunderstandings.

Choice B rationale:

The statement about using abbreviations only for units of measurement is too restrictive. Abbreviations can be used for various purposes in medical charting, but it is crucial to ensure they are standard, recognized, and widely understood to maintain clarity and patient safety.

Choice C rationale:

Uncommon and unrecognized abbreviations could indeed be misunderstood, leading to misinterpretation of important information. This misunderstanding could compromise patient safety by affecting treatment decisions or medication administration. Using standardized and commonly accepted abbreviations ensures clear communication among healthcare professionals.

Choice D rationale:

Allowing the use of uncommon and unrecognized abbreviations with staff education does not guarantee patient safety. Educating staff about these abbreviations might mitigate some risks, but misunderstandings can still occur, especially in high-stress situations or when dealing with staff turnover. Standardized communication methods are essential to prevent errors.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

This statement indicates effective teaching. Narrowing the base of support and improving balance are key aspects of using a cane properly. A patient who understands this concept demonstrates comprehension of the teaching.

Choice B rationale:

Placing the tip of the cane at least 12 inches to the side of the foot is incorrect. The cane should be placed about 6 inches to the side of the foot for proper support and balance.

Choice C rationale:

Adjusting the cane so the wrist is lower than the top of the cane is incorrect. The top of the cane should be at the level of the wrist for optimal use.

Choice D rationale:

Advancing the cane first, followed by the weak leg and then the strong leg, is incorrect. The correct sequence is advancing the cane and the weak leg simultaneously and then followed by the strong leg to maintain balance and support.

A. Place the probe on a finger that has slow or delayed capillary refill. B. Plan to document the pulse oximeter reading as a percent. C. Assure the reading is taken in bright light, such as sunlight or fluorescent light. D. Avoid removing dark nail polish before the reading is obtained.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Placing the pulse oximeter probe on a finger with slow or delayed capillary refill can lead to inaccurate readings. Slow capillary refill indicates poor peripheral perfusion, which may affect the accuracy of pulse oximetry readings. The nurse should select a finger with normal capillary refill to obtain accurate readings.

Choice B rationale:

Documenting the pulse oximeter reading as a percent is the correct action. Pulse oximeter readings are expressed as percentages, representing the oxygen saturation level in the patient's blood. Normal oxygen saturation levels typically range from 95% to 100%. Documenting the reading in percent allows healthcare providers to monitor the patient's oxygenation status accurately.

Choice C rationale:

Assuring that the reading is taken in bright light, such as sunlight or fluorescent light, is incorrect. Bright light can interfere with the accuracy of pulse oximetry readings by causing the sensor to misinterpret external light as a pulsatile signal. To obtain accurate readings, the pulse oximeter should be used in a well-lit environment but away from direct bright light sources.

Choice D rationale:

Avoiding the removal of dark nail polish before obtaining the reading is incorrect. Dark nail polish can interfere with the pulse oximeter's ability to detect the pulsatile signal from the patient's finger, leading to inaccurate oxygen saturation readings. The nurse should advise the patient to remove dark nail polish or choose another finger without nail polish for the measurement.

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A nursing student uses an uncommon and unrecognized abbreviation when charting on a patient.While re-educating the student nurse, what reasoning should the nurse provide for not using uncommon and unrecognized abbreviations?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is educating a patient about the use of a cane due to weakness of the left leg.Which statement by the patient would indicate teaching has been effective?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse is planning to obtain the pulse oximeter reading of a patient.What action by the nurse is correct?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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A nursing student uses an uncommon and unrecognized abbreviation when charting on a patient.
While re-educating the student nurse, what reasoning should the nurse provide for not using uncommon and unrecognized abbreviations?