During an evening shift on a medical unit, the only nurse on the unit is busy with an unstable client. The unit clerk, who is also both a certified medication aide and an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP), reports to the nurse that a healthcare provider is on the telephone and wishes to prescribe an as needed (PRN) dose of an oral over-the-counter laxative for a client who is constipated. Which instruction should the nurse provide the unit clerk?
Remain with this client and monitor the vital signs while the nurse takes the call.
Ask the healthcare provider to remain on "hold" until the nurse can confirm the prescription.
Be sure to write down what is prescribed and then repeat it back to the healthcare provider.
Tell the healthcare provider the nurse will return the phone call as soon as possible.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason: Remaining with this client and monitoring the vital signs while the nurse takes the call is not an appropriate instruction for the unit clerk. The unit clerk is not qualified to monitor vital signs or provide direct care to clients. The nurse should delegate this task to another licensed nurse or UAP who has been trained and validated in this skill.
Choice B Reason: Asking the healthcare provider to remain on "hold" until the nurse can confirm the prescription is not an appropriate instruction for the unit clerk. The unit clerk is not authorized to take verbal or telephone orders from healthcare providers. Only licensed nurses or pharmacists can do so, following specific policies and procedures.
Choice C Reason: Writing down what is prescribed and then repeating it back to the healthcare provider is not an appropriate instruction for the unit clerk. The unit clerk is not authorized to take verbal or telephone orders from healthcare providers. Only licensed nurses or pharmacists can do so, following specific policies and procedures.
Choice D Reason: Telling the healthcare provider the nurse will return the phone call as soon as possible is an appropriate instruction for the unit clerk. The unit clerk can relay messages between the healthcare provider and the nurse, but cannot take orders or give information about clients. The nurse should prioritize calling back the healthcare provider after stabilizing the unstable client.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) This intervention is not appropriate because it violates the client's privacy and confidentiality. The health department does not need to be notified of the client's condition, as breast cancer is not a communicable disease or a public health threat. The nurse should respect the client's wishes and only share information with authorized persons or agencies.
B) This intervention is appropriate because it respects the client's autonomy and encourages informed decision-making. The nurse should advise the client to consider the benefits and risks of disclosing or withholding the diagnosis from the family, and how it may affect their relationships and support systems. The nurse should also provide relevant information and resources to help the client make an informed choice.
C) This intervention is not appropriate because it contradicts the client's decision and may cause confusion or distress for the family. The nurse should not suggest genetic screening to the family without the client's consent, as this may imply that they are at risk of developing breast cancer or other genetic disorders. The nurse should also avoid giving unsolicited advice or opinions that may interfere with the client's autonomy.
D) This intervention is not appropriate because it imposes the nurse's values and beliefs on the client. The nurse should not explain that the family has a right to know of potential health problems, as this may imply that the client is wrong or selfish for withholding the diagnosis. The nurse should acknowledge and respect the client's perspective and preferences, and support them in coping with their condition.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is the best action because it prevents the spread of infection to other clients and staff. Mumps is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the salivary glands and can be transmitted by respiratory droplets. The nurse should place an isolation cart outside of the room and wear a mask, gloves, and gown when entering.
Choice B Reason: This is not the first priority because it does not address the risk of infection. The nurse should schedule bedside play time with the occupational therapist to promote the child's development and coping, but this can be done later.
Choice C Reason: This is not the first priority because it does not ensure that infection control measures are in place. The nurse should instruct the child's parents about the need for transmission precautions and educate them on how to care for their child at home, but this can be done later.
Choice D Reason: This is not the first priority because it does not prevent the spread of infection. The nurse should assign the child to a room close to the nurse's station to monitor his condition and provide comfort, but this is not a critical intervention.
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