Which patient’s needs must be addressed first by the registered nurse?

Choice A reason: This is the correct choice because assessment is the step of the nursing process that involves collecting and organizing data about the patient's health status and needs. The nurse who carefully enters a new patient’s medical history and current medication list into the agency’s electronic health record (EHR) is performing an assessment by gathering relevant information from the patient and other sources.

Choice B reason: This is an incorrect choice because implementation is the step of the nursing process that involves carrying out the planned nursing interventions to achieve the patient's goals and outcomes. The nurse who carefully enters a new patient’s medical history and current medication list into the agency’s electronic health record (EHR) is not performing an implementation by executing any actions or treatments for the patient.

Choice C reason: This is an incorrect choice because diagnosis is the step of the nursing process that involves analyzing and interpreting the data to identify the patient's actual or potential health problems. The nurse who carefully enters a new patient’s medical history and current medication list into the agency’s electronic health record (EHR) is not performing a diagnosis by making any judgments or conclusions about the patient's condition.

Choice D reason: This is an incorrect choice because evaluation is the step of the nursing process that involves measuring and comparing the patient's progress and outcomes with the expected goals and outcomes. The nurse who carefully enters a new patient’s medical history and current medication list into the agency’s electronic health record (EHR) is not performing an evaluation by assessing any changes or improvements in the patient's status.

Choice A reason: This is an incorrect choice because the hospice RN works closely with the patient’s daughter to ensure that the patient’s dying requests are met is not a patient assignment that demonstrates the concept of team nursing. Team nursing is a model of care in which a team of healthcare providers, including RNs, licensed practical nurses (LPNs), nursing assistants, and other support staff, work together to provide care for a group of patients¹. Working closely with the patient’s daughter is an example of family-centered care, not team nursing.

Choice B reason: This is an incorrect choice because the RN cares for the same five patients every day during their stay following joint replacement surgery is not a patient assignment that demonstrates the concept of team nursing. Team nursing is a model of care in which a team of healthcare providers, including RNs, licensed practical nurses (LPNs), nursing assistants, and other support staff, work together to provide care for a group of patients¹. Caring for the same five patients every day is an example of primary nursing, not team nursing.

Choice C reason: This is the correct choice because the RN, the LPN, and the nursing assistant work together to provide all the care needed by eight patients for the shift is a patient assignment that demonstrates the concept of team nursing. Team nursing is a model of care in which a team of healthcare providers, including RNs, licensed practical nurses (LPNs), nursing assistants, and other support staff, work together to provide care for a group of patients¹. Each member of the team performs specific duties appropriate to their role to provide total patient care. Teams may include licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) that are supervised by a registered nurse (RN). Less experienced, or non-critical care RNs, may be assigned to a team in a critical care unit led by an experienced critical care RN. Each team member plays a vital role.

Choice D reason: This is an incorrect choice because the RN coordinates care of the patient with the physician assistant to ensure that the clinical pathway is followed is not a patient assignment that demonstrates the concept of team nursing. Team nursing is a model of care in which a team of healthcare providers, including RNs, licensed practical nurses (LPNs), nursing assistants, and other support staff, work together to provide care for a group of patients¹. Coordinating care of the patient with the physician assistant is an example of interprofessional collaboration, not team nursing.