Which staff assignment, made by the primary nurse, requires the most immediate follow-up action by the charge nurse on a medical unit?
A practical nurse is assigned to transport a postoperative client to the rehabilitation unit.
A practical nurse (PN) is assigned to monitor the blood pressure of a client with hypertension.
A graduate nurse is assigned to obtain a unit of packed red blood cells from the blood bank.
An unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) is assigned to check a client for fecal impaction.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason: This assignment does not require immediate follow-up action by the charge nurse because a practical nurse can transport a stable postoperative client to another unit and report any changes or concerns to the primary nurse.
Choice B Reason: This assignment does not require immediate follow-up action by the charge nurse because a practical nurse can monitor the blood pressure of a client with hypertension and administer antihypertensive medications as prescribed and delegated by the primary nurse.
Choice C Reason: This assignment does not require immediate follow-up action by the charge nurse because a graduate nurse can obtain a unit of packed red blood cells from the blood bank and verify the compatibility and identification with another registered nurse before transfusing it to the client.
Choice D Reason: This is the correct answer because checking a client for fecal impaction is beyond the scope of practice of unlicensed assistive personnel. It involves inserting a finger into the rectum and assessing for hard stool, which can cause injury or infection to the client. The charge nurse should intervene and assign this task to a registered nurse or a practical nurse.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This client has signs of dehydration and fluid volume deficit, which can lead to shock, a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body's organs are not receiving enough blood flow. The nurse should monitor the client's vital signs, urine output, skin color, and level of consciousness, and report any changes to the physician.
Choice B reason: Initiating enteric precaution procedures is important to prevent the spread of infection, as vomiting and diarrhea may be caused by a contagious pathogen. However, this is not the most important action for the nurse to implement, as it does not address the client's immediate risk of shock.
Choice C reason: Reducing light, noise and temperature may help the client feel more comfortable and reduce nausea, but it is not the most important action for the nurse to implement, as it does not address the client's fluid volume deficit and potential shock.
Choice D reason: Encouraging electrolyte supplements may help replenish the electrolytes lost through vomiting and diarrhea, but it is not the most important action for the nurse to implement, as it may not be enough to restore the fluid balance and prevent shock. The client may need intravenous fluids and medications to correct the dehydration and hypotension.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is the best action because it prevents the spread of infection to other clients and staff. Mumps is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the salivary glands and can be transmitted by respiratory droplets. The nurse should place an isolation cart outside of the room and wear a mask, gloves, and gown when entering.
Choice B Reason: This is not the first priority because it does not address the risk of infection. The nurse should schedule bedside play time with the occupational therapist to promote the child's development and coping, but this can be done later.
Choice C Reason: This is not the first priority because it does not ensure that infection control measures are in place. The nurse should instruct the child's parents about the need for transmission precautions and educate them on how to care for their child at home, but this can be done later.
Choice D Reason: This is not the first priority because it does not prevent the spread of infection. The nurse should assign the child to a room close to the nurse's station to monitor his condition and provide comfort, but this is not a critical intervention.
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