It is most important to assign which client to a registered nurse rather than a practical nurse (PN)?
One hour after receiving hydromorphone prescribed for every 4 hours PRN use, a client reports severe pain.
Two hours after receiving morphine for acute pain, a client's vital signs are BP 112/60 mm Hg, pulse 88 beats/minute, and respirations 14 breaths/minute.
After ambulating, a postoperative client grimaces and reports incisional pain at a "9 on a ten-point scale".
The fentanyl transdermal patch for a client with chronic cancer pain needs to be replaced.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason: This client may need another dose of hydromorphone if the pain is not relieved by the previous one. A PN can administer this medication under the supervision of a RN and monitor the client's response.
Choice B Reason: This client's vital signs are within normal limits and indicate that the morphine is effective and not causing respiratory depression. A PN can assess and document the client's vital signs and pain level.
Choice C Reason: This is the correct answer because this client has acute and severe pain that may require immediate intervention and reassessment. An RN can evaluate the cause and severity of the pain, administer additional analgesics as prescribed, and implement nonpharmacological measures to relieve the pain.
Choice D Reason: This client has chronic and stable pain that is managed by a fentanyl patch. A PN can replace the patch according to the schedule and instructions provided by the RN.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
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.
Correct Answer is ["B","C"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Identifying locations of skin lesions on a newly admitted client is a nursing assessment that requires clinical judgment and cannot be delegated to the UAP.
Choice B Reason: Emptying the ostomy bag for a client with a temporary colostomy is a routine task that does not require clinical judgment and can be delegated to the UAP.
Choice C Reason: Providing a complete bed bath for a comatose client is a routine task that does not require clinical judgment and can be delegated to the UAP.
Choice D Reason: Performing foot care including toenail trimming and heel care is a nursing intervention that requires clinical judgment and cannot be delegated to the UAP. The UAP may cause injury or infection to the client's feet, especially if the client has diabetes or peripheral vascular disease.
Choice E Reason: Giving mouth care to an elderly client who has a tracheostomy is a nursing intervention that requires clinical judgment and cannot be delegated to the UAP. The UAP may cause trauma or aspiration to the client's trachea, especially if the client has poor oral hygiene or respiratory secretions.

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