The patient is admitted to the cardiac unit.
Everyone admitted to the cardiac unit will have an EKG done unless otherwise ordered. This is an example of which type of order?
STAT
prn
One-time
Standing
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
STAT orders are urgent and require immediate action. They are typically used for life-threatening situations or when a rapid response is needed to prevent serious harm. In this case, an EKG is important for patients admitted to the cardiac unit, but it is not necessarily an urgent procedure that requires immediate action in all cases.
STAT orders are often given verbally or over the phone, and they are typically written in all capital letters with the word "STAT" prominently displayed.
Examples of STAT orders include medications for cardiac arrest, intubation for respiratory distress, or emergency surgery for a ruptured appendix.
Choice B rationale:
PRN orders are "as needed" orders, meaning they are only carried out when a specific condition or symptom arises. They are not routinely implemented for all patients in a particular unit or setting.
PRN orders allow for flexibility in treatment plans and can help to manage pain, nausea, anxiety, or other symptoms that may fluctuate over time.
Examples of PRN orders include pain medication, anti-nausea medication, or sedatives.
Choice C rationale:
One-time orders are administered only once and are not repeated. They are often used for procedures, diagnostic tests, or medications that are not required on an ongoing basis.
In this case, an EKG is typically a one-time order for patients outside of the cardiac unit, but it becomes a standing order for patients admitted to the cardiac unit due to the increased importance of cardiac monitoring in this setting.
Examples of one-time orders include a chest X-ray, a blood draw, or a dose of antibiotics.
Choice D rationale:
Standing orders are routine orders that are implemented for all patients in a particular unit or setting, unless otherwise specified. They are designed to provide consistent and standardized care, and they often reflect best practices or guidelines for a specific patient population.
Standing orders can help to streamline care processes, reduce the need for individual orders, and ensure that patients receive necessary treatments or interventions without delay.
In this case, the standing order for an EKG upon admission to the cardiac unit ensures that all patients receive this important cardiac assessment, even if the ordering provider does not specifically write an order for it.
Other examples of standing orders in a cardiac unit might include daily weights, regular vital sign checks, or administration of cardiac medications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The dorsal gluteal site, also known as the dorsogluteal site, was once a common choice for intramuscular injections. However, it has fallen out of favor due to several concerns, including:
Risk of sciatic nerve injury: The sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body, runs deep within the gluteal region. Injections into the dorsal gluteal site have a higher risk of accidentally hitting this nerve, which can lead to pain, numbness, and weakness in the leg.
Difficulty in landmarking: Accurately locating the dorsal gluteal site can be challenging, especially in patients with excessive adipose tissue or those who are unable to position themselves properly. Incorrect injection placement can increase the risk of tissue damage and poor drug absorption.
Pain: The dorsal gluteal site is often more painful than other intramuscular injection sites, likely due to the presence of more nerve endings in the area.
Choice B rationale:
The deltoid muscle, located in the upper arm, is a common site for intramuscular injections, particularly for vaccines. However, it has limitations when it comes to administering larger volumes of medication:
Small muscle mass: The deltoid is a relatively small muscle, limiting the amount of medication that can be safely injected. It's generally recommended to inject no more than 1-2 mL of medication into the deltoid muscle.
Proximity to nerves and blood vessels: The deltoid muscle is located near the radial nerve and brachial artery. Improper injection technique could potentially injure these structures.
Choice C rationale:
The vastus lateralis muscle, located in the anterolateral aspect of the thigh, is considered the preferred site for intramuscular injections in adults when the volume of medication exceeds 2 mL. Here's why:
Large muscle mass: The vastus lateralis is a large, thick muscle, capable of accommodating larger volumes of medication (up to 5 mL).
Easy to access: The vastus lateralis is easily accessible and can be injected with the patient in a sitting or lying position.
Fewer nerves and blood vessels: The vastus lateralis has fewer major nerves and blood vessels compared to other injection sites, reducing the risk of injury.
Pain tolerance: Studies have shown that injections into the vastus lateralis are generally less painful than injections into the deltoid or gluteal muscles.
Choice D rationale:
The lateral piriformis muscle is not a recognized or recommended site for intramuscular injections. It's a deep muscle located within the pelvic region, making it difficult to access and posing a higher risk of injury to surrounding structures.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Incorrect. Mixing insulin detemir and insulin aspart in the same syringe is generally not recommended due to the following reasons:
Altered Pharmacokinetics: Mixing insulins can potentially alter their absorption and action profiles, leading to unpredictable blood glucose control.
Stability Concerns: The compatibility of different insulins in a mixed solution is not always guaranteed, potentially leading to precipitation or decreased potency.
Dosing Accuracy: Drawing up mixed insulins accurately can be challenging, especially when different dosages are required for each type.
Manufacturer Recommendations: Insulin manufacturers typically advise against mixing different insulins unless specifically instructed by a healthcare professional.
Choice B rationale:
Incorrect. While the order of drawing up insulins may have a minor impact on mixing, it does not address the fundamental concerns of mixing different insulins in the same syringe. The primary issue is the potential for altered pharmacokinetics, stability concerns, and dosing accuracy, as explained in the rationale for Choice A.
Choice D rationale:
Incorrect. Rolling insulin bottles between the palms is a technique used to gently resuspend insulin particles that may have settled at the bottom. However, it does not pertain to the correct procedure for drawing up different insulins for administration.
Choice C rationale:
Correct. Administering insulin detemir and insulin aspart using separate syringes and different injection sites is the most appropriate approach for several reasons:
Maintains Pharmacokinetics: It ensures that each insulin maintains its intended absorption and action profile, promoting optimal blood glucose control.
Ensures Stability: Using separate syringes eliminates the risk of potential incompatibility issues that could arise from mixing insulins.
Promotes Dosing Accuracy: Drawing up insulins in separate syringes allows for greater precision in administering the correct dosage of each type.
Aligns with Manufacturer Guidelines: This approach adheres to the recommendations of insulin manufacturers, ensuring safe and effective administration.
Additional Considerations:
Nurses should always consult the latest insulin administration guidelines and individual patient needs for optimal care.
Proper education and counseling should be provided to patients who require multiple insulin injections to ensure adherence and understanding of correct administration techniques.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.