During a 24-hour electronic health record review of a client in acute renal failure, the nurse notices that a prescription, written 12 hours ago for every 6 hours serum potassium levels, was not transcribed by the previous shift. Which immediate action is best for the nurse to take?
Telephone the nurse responsible for the error at home to report the omission of the transcription.
Call the healthcare provider and ask if the prescription is still needed since 12 hours have elapsed since it was written.
Notify the nursing supervisor of the previous shift's omission in not transcribing the prescription.
Order the lab work as prescribed and follow procedures for completing an incident report.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale: This option involves contacting the nurse at home, which may not be appropriate or effective for addressing the immediate issue of the transcription omission.
Choice B rationale: Contacting the healthcare provider is important, but the nurse should first order the lab work as prescribed and complete and incident report.
Choice C rationale: Notifying the nursing supervisor of the previous shift's omission is important but the nurse should first order the lab work as prescribed.
Choice D rationale: Ordering the lab work as prescribed and following procedures for completing an incident report is the best action for the nurse to take because it ensures that the client's serum potassium levels are monitored and that the error is documented and reported.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale: A client with combined partial and full-thickness burns on the anterior chest with a decreased O2 saturation is likely in need of critical care and should not be transferred to a general unit.
Choice B rationale: A client with nephrotic syndrome and mild edema is the most stable and has the least risk of complications among the four options.
Choice C rationale: The client with thyroidectomy has a risk of bleeding and needs frequent assessment of vital signs and dressing.
Choice D rationale: The client with renal transplant has a risk of rejection and infection and needs strict isolation and immunosuppressive therapy.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Asking the healthcare provider to remain on "hold" may cause a delay in addressing the prescription and may not be the most efficient way to handle the situation.
Choice B rationale: Remaining with the client and monitoring vital signs is important, but it may not be necessary for the nurse to take the call personally.
Choice C rationale: Informing the healthcare provider that the nurse will return the phone call as soon as possible is a reasonable and appropriate response to address the prescription in a timely manner.
Choice D rationale: Writing down and repeating back the prescription is a good practice, but it may not address the urgency of the situation and the need for prompt communication with the healthcare provider.
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