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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A Reason: This is not the best action because it does not address the conflict between the client and the healthcare provider. The nurse should advocate for the client's wishes and seek a resolution that respects them.

Choice B Reason: This is not an appropriate action because it disregards the client's request and may give false hope. The nurse should respect the client's autonomy and dignity.

Choice C Reason: This is not a sufficient action because it does not ensure that the healthcare provider will comply with the client's request. The nurse should also involve other resources to help resolve the ethical dilemma.

Choice D Reason: This is the best action because it involves an impartial group of experts who can help mediate the situation and protect the client's rights. The nurse should seek ethical consultation when there is a disagreement about end-of-life decisions.

A. Review the need for the UAP to wear a face mask while in close contact with the client. B. Remind the UAP to apply a fitted respirator mask before entering the client's room. C. Assign the UAP to provide care for another client and assume full care of the client. D. Instruct the UAP to notify the nurse of any changes in the client's respiratory status.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A Reason: Influenza is transmitted primarily through respiratory droplets. Droplet precautions require healthcare workers to wear a mask (surgical mask) when in close contact with a client. The UAP is already wearing gloves and a gown, which are appropriate for contact precautions but incomplete without a face mask for droplet protection.

Choice B Reason: A fitted respirator (e.g., N95) is unnecessary unless the client is suspected or confirmed to have an airborne transmissible disease such as tuberculosis. Influenza does not require airborne precautions.

Choice C Reason: Assigning the UAP to provide care for another client and assuming full care of the client is not necessary or feasible because it would increase the workload of the nurse and reduce the quality of care for both clients. The UAP can still assist with care for clients with influenza as long as they follow proper infection control measures.

Choice D Reason: Instructing the UAP to notify the nurse of any changes in the client's respiratory status is important but not a priority action because it does not address the issue of preventing transmission of influenza. The nurse should first ensure that the UAP wears appropriate personal protective equipment before entering the client's room.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

After an interdisciplinary team meeting regarding the client's request to die a natural death, the primary healthcare provider refuses to write the do-not-resuscitate instructions. Which action should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A client with influenza is admitted to the medical unit. The nurse observes an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) preparing to enter the client's room to take vital signs and assist with personal care. The UAP has applied gloves and a gown. Which action should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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