The practical nurse (PN) is charting vital signs on a hand-writen flow sheet and realizes that an error has been made. What should the PN do to rectify this error?
Obliterate the entry and insert the correct information
Draw one line through the entry and insert the correct information
Chart the correct information in the next column.
Notify the charge nurse that the entry needs to be revised
The Correct Answer is B
This is the correct way to correct an error on a hand-writen chart, according to the legal and ethical principles of documentation. The PN should also initial and date the correction.
Obliterating the entry or charting in the next column can create confusion and suspicion of tampering with the records. Notifying the charge nurse is not necessary unless the error has serious implications for the client's care or safety
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D. Apply a pain scale to describe intensity.
Choice A rationale:
Asking about elements of the pain experience is important for a comprehensive pain assessment, but it is not the most critical aspect immediately after administering an analgesic. This step is more relevant during the initial assessment to understand the nature and characteristics of the pain.
Choice B rationale:
Questioning the client about precipitating factors can help identify what triggers the pain, which is useful for long-term pain management strategies. However, this is not the primary focus after giving an analgesic, as the immediate goal is to evaluate the effectiveness of the pain relief.
Choice C rationale:
Locating where in the body the pain occurs is essential for diagnosing and understanding the pain’s origin. However, after administering an analgesic, the priority is to assess the change in pain intensity rather than its location.
Choice D rationale:
Applying a pain scale to describe intensity is crucial after giving an analgesic because it provides a quantifiable measure of the pain relief achieved. This helps in determining the effectiveness of the medication and guides further pain management interventions.
By focusing on the pain intensity using a standardized pain scale, the practical nurse can objectively evaluate the patient’s response to the analgesic and make informed decisions about any additional pain management needs.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
This is the best site for the PN to observe because it allows for the detection of changes in color, such as pallor, cyanosis, or jaundice, that may not be visible on the skin surface. The sclera and mucous membranes are less pigmented than the skin and reflect the underlying blood flow and oxygenation.
A. Hands and feet are not the best site for the PN to observe because they may be affected by peripheral circulation, temperature, or edema, which can alter the color of the skin.
B. Forehead and face are not the best site for the PN to observe because they may have increased pigmentation or variations in tone that can mask changes in color.
C. Finger and toenails are not the best site for the PN to observe because they may be affected by nail polish, fungal infection, or trauma, which can alter the color of the nails.
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