The practical nurse (PN) is told that she keeps her 2-year-old child in a playpen so he will not get dirty. Which statement should the PN use in responding to this concern about using a playpen?

Has the child eaten recently? This is the correct and most important question to ask before administering insulin. The timing and content of the child's recent meals will directly impact their blood sugar levels and help determine the appropriate insulin dose. Insulin is typically administered in correlation with meals to maintain blood sugar within a target range and prevent hypo- or hyperglycemia.

A. Did the child perform a fingerstick? While checking the child's blood glucose level is an important part of diabetes management, it is not the most crucial piece of information to gather before administering insulin. The PN should prioritize knowing whether the child has eaten recently, as insulin administration should be coordinated with meals to prevent hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.

B. How much did the child exercise today? Physical activity can affect blood sugar levels, but it is not the most critical information to obtain before administering insulin. The PN should focus on the child's food intake because insulin doses need to be adjusted accordingly to prevent fluctuations in blood sugar levels.

C. When did the child last urinate? While monitoring urinary patterns is important in assessing hydration and kidney function, it is not directly related to determining the appropriate insulin dose. The PN should prioritize gathering information about the child's recent food intake, as insulin administration needs to be coordinated with meals.

When the PN witnesses a situation where a resident is shouting profanities and a staff member (UAP) responds inappropriately, the immediate priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of the resident. It is essential to address the situation promptly and prevent further escalation.
Entering the room and instructing the UAP to leave immediately serves several purposes:

1. Protecting the resident: Removing the UAP from the room ensures that the resident is not subjected to further conflict or distress.
2. Maintaining a calm and therapeutic environment: By addressing the disruptive behavior and removing the staff member involved, the PN can help restore a peaceful environment for the resident and other individuals in the facility.
3. Ensuring professional conduct: Shouting and engaging in unprofessional behavior is not acceptable in a healthcare setting. By immediately intervening and directing the UAP to leave the room, the PN reinforces the importance of maintaining a respectful and professional approach to caregiving.
After addressing the immediate concern, the PN should follow up by reporting the incident and providing a detailed account to the nurse manager or supervisor. This allows for appropriate action to be taken, such as further investigation or disciplinary measures if necessary.
The other options mentioned are not the first actions to be taken in this situation:

A. Reporting the incident and the UAP for further action by the nurse manager: While reporting the incident is important, it is not the immediate action required to address the situation in
real-time.

B. Telling both of them to lower their voices in consideration of other residents: While promoting a calm environment is important, addressing the issue of shouting and unprofessional behavior takes precedence over requesting a volume reduction.

C. Telling the resident and the UAP that shouting is not permitted: While it is essential to communicate the expectations of behavior, the immediate focus should be on removing the staff member from the situation and ensuring the resident's well-being.