Which leadership skills will the nursing student use when caring for patients? (Select all that apply)

Choice A reason: This is an incorrect choice because the patient who is nauseated and vomiting after receiving narcotic pain medication is not the most urgent patient. Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of narcotic pain medication and can be managed with antiemetics and hydration. The patient's condition is not life-threatening and does not require immediate intervention.

Choice B reason: This is an incorrect choice because the patient who is waiting for discharge teaching in order to go home is not the most urgent patient. Discharge teaching is an important part of patient education and care transition, but it can be delayed until the more critical patients are attended to. The patient's condition is stable and does not require immediate intervention.

Choice C reason: This is the correct choice because the patient with chest pain after two doses of sublingual nitroglycerin is the most urgent patient. Chest pain is a sign of myocardial ischemia, which can lead to myocardial infarction or heart attack. Sublingual nitroglycerin is a medication that dilates the coronary arteries and relieves chest pain. If the chest pain persists after two doses of sublingual nitroglycerin, the patient may have unstable angina or acute coronary syndrome, which are medical emergencies that require immediate intervention⁴.

Choice D reason: This is an incorrect choice because the constipated patient who needs to use the toilet after receiving a laxative is not the most urgent patient. Constipation is a common gastrointestinal problem that can be treated with laxatives and dietary changes. The patient's condition is not life-threatening and does not require immediate intervention.

Choice A reason: This is an incorrect choice because insisting that the patient remove the bracelet and give it to a family member during surgery is not the most appropriate action of the nurse. This action may violate the patient's right to autonomy, religious freedom, and cultural sensitivity. The nurse should respect the patient's beliefs and preferences and try to accommodate them as much as possible, unless they pose a significant risk to the patient's safety or the surgical procedure.

Choice B reason: This is an incorrect choice because notifying the patient’s surgeon of the patient’s refusal to remove the bracelet before having surgery is not the most appropriate action of the nurse. This action may imply that the patient is non-compliant or difficult, and may create a conflict between the patient and the surgeon. The nurse should communicate with the patient and the surgeon in a respectful and collaborative manner, and seek a mutually agreeable solution.

Choice C reason: This is the correct choice because calling the operating room staff to determine if the bracelet can stay on during surgery is the most appropriate action of the nurse. This action shows that the nurse is willing to advocate for the patient and to consult with the relevant authorities to find out the best option. The nurse should follow the policies and protocols of the operating room and the infection control guidelines, and ensure that the bracelet does not interfere with the surgical site, the equipment, or the sterile field.

Choice D reason: This is an incorrect choice because removing the bracelet from the patient's wrist after sedating medication has been administered is not the most appropriate action of the nurse. This action may be considered unethical, dishonest, or disrespectful, as the nurse is taking advantage of the patient's altered mental status and going against the patient's wishes. The nurse should obtain the patient's informed consent before performing any intervention, and should not deceive or coerce the patient.