The nurse is caring for a patient who collapsed after working outside on a hot day. The patient is disoriented with hot, dry skin and a heart rate of 140 beats/minute. Which temperature will the nurse expect the patient to have?

A. "Don't worry. The cancer prevents you from becoming addicted." This statement is incorrect because having cancer does not prevent addiction. However, appropriate pain management in patients with severe pain does not typically lead to addiction.
B. "That is a valid worry. I wouldn't want to become addicted." While acknowledging the patient’s concern is important, this response reinforces fear rather than providing reassurance based on medical evidence.
C. "My cousin was addicted to pain killers when he had cancer." This response is inappropriate because it is anecdotal and does not address the patient’s concern with factual medical information.
D. "Because you have severe pain, the medication is necessary. There is little chance of addiction as long as you take the medication as prescribed." This is the best response because it reassures the patient that pain control is a priority and that, when used correctly, the risk of addiction is minimal.

A. The nurse should review the patient's vital signs as soon as they are done. Even though vital signs can be delegated, the nurse retains accountability for assessing the data, interpreting abnormalities, and determining if further action is needed.
B. The nurse assistant should not be responsible for obtaining vital signs. Nurse assistants can take vital signs if they are properly trained and it is within their scope of practice. However, the nurse remains responsible for interpreting and acting on the results.
C. The nurse is not responsible if the nurse assistant fails to obtain the vital signs. The nurse remains accountable for delegated tasks and must ensure they are completed correctly.
D. The nurse assistant should determine if the patient's vital signs are abnormal. Nurse assistants can report abnormal findings, but they are not responsible for interpreting results or making clinical decisions—this is the nurse’s responsibility.