A 350-bed acute care hospital declares an internal disaster because the emergency generators malfunctioned during a city-wide power failure. The unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) working on a general medical unit ask the charge nurse what they should do first. Which instructions should the charge nurse provide to the UAPS?
Go to the emergency department and complete assigned tasks.
Shut all doors to client rooms on the unit in case a fire erupts.
Tell all their assigned clients to stay in their rooms.
Offer to assist in the intensive care unit with clients ventilator-dependent.
The Correct Answer is C
Rationale:
A. Go to the emergency department and complete assigned tasks: UAPs should remain on their assigned units unless directed otherwise by leadership. Relocating without orders could compromise continuity and safety in their current area.
B. Shut all doors to client rooms on the unit in case a fire erupts: There is no immediate threat of fire. This may increase client anxiety or hinder necessary observation in a power outage. Fire protocols are separate from internal disaster procedures unless a fire is confirmed.
C. Tell all their assigned clients to stay in their rooms: This maintains order and safety during a chaotic event. It prevents unnecessary movement in darkened or unfamiliar areas and reduces the risk of injury in the absence of full power.
D. Offer to assist in the intensive care unit with clients ventilator-dependent: UAPs are not qualified to assist with critical care clients, especially ventilator-dependent ones. They should remain within their competency and scope of practice.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Before changing assignments, determine which staff members have fitted particulate filter masks: This option suggests rearranging assignments based on respirator fit, but a particulate filter mask (like an N95) is not required for droplet precautions. The focus should be on educating the UAP rather than altering assignments unnecessarily.
B. Instruct the UAP that a standard face mask is sufficient to be able to provide care for the assigned client: Droplet precautions require a standard surgical mask, not a particulate filter mask. The nurse should clarify this with the UAP to ensure proper precautions are followed without unnecessary changes or delays in care.
C. Advise the UAP to wear a standard face mask to obtain vital signs, and then get fitted for a filter mask before providing personal care: This adds unnecessary steps. For droplet precautions, a surgical mask is sufficient for all aspects of client care. There's no need to delay care or obtain a filter mask fitting.
D. Send the UAP to be fitted for a particulate filter mask immediately so she can provide care to this client: This is not necessary for droplet precautions, as it reflects confusion with airborne precautions (e.g., for tuberculosis). The nurse should correct the misunderstanding rather than escalate it.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Teach parents about poison prevention in young children: While this is an important long-term intervention, it does not address the immediate concern of replacing a potentially lost therapeutic dose of the antidote. Teaching should occur after the child’s safety is ensured.
B. Lavage activated charcoal before giving acetylcysteine dose: Activated charcoal may reduce acetylcysteine’s effectiveness when administered together. Gastric lavage is not routinely indicated if the child is alert and beyond the immediate ingestion window, and is not a substitute for re-dosing the antidote.
C. If dose is vomited within 1 hour of administration, repeat that oral dose: Re-administering N-acetylcysteine within one hour of vomiting ensures the child receives an effective therapeutic dose. Prompt re-dosing is crucial in preventing hepatic damage.
D. Obtain blood samples to monitor liver function: Liver function tests are part of ongoing monitoring but do not address the acute need to ensure the antidote is absorbed. Blood work is secondary to ensuring that the child receives the full therapeutic dose.
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