A client with frequent watery stools and a possible Clostridium difficile infection is hospitalized with dehydration. Which nursing action should the charge nurse assign to an LPN?
Performing assessments of the client's hydration status.
Administering the prescribed metronidazole 500 mg orally to the client.
Reviewing client's medical history for any risk factors for diarrhea.
Explaining the purpose of the ordered stool cultures to the client and family.
The Correct Answer is B
A. While LPNs can perform some assessments, the charge nurse should assign this task to an RN. Assessing hydration status requires critical thinking and a comprehensive understanding of the client's overall clinical condition, which typically falls within the RN’s scope of practice.
B. Administering medications, including antibiotics like metronidazole, is within the scope of practice for LPNs. As long as the LPN is competent in administering medications and there are no specific contraindications for the client, this task can be appropriately assigned.
C. This task involves critical thinking and comprehensive analysis of the client's medical history, which is typically conducted by an RN. While LPNs may review aspects of the medical history, the charge nurse should assign more complex evaluations and assessments to RNs.
D. While LPNs can provide some patient education, explaining the rationale behind specific tests, especially in the context of complex infections, typically requires the knowledge and expertise of an RN. This task may involve more detailed clinical reasoning and the ability to address specific questions and concerns that the client or family may have.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. While the attorney may argue that the injury was preventable, this statement alone does not establish negligence. It lacks specific evidence or expert testimony to support the claim. Legal arguments must be substantiated by facts, not just assertions from an attorney.
B. This option describes a key component in establishing the standard of care in negligence cases. Testimony from another nurse about the actions of a "reasonable, prudent nurse" provides a benchmark against which the accused nurse’s actions will be measured. This type of testimony is often considered credible and is vital in determining whether the nurse acted within the accepted standards of practice.
C. While a provider’s testimony may influence the case, it is not definitive in establishing negligence. A provider may not be the appropriate expert to determine nursing standards and practices. Their perspective may be biased and does not constitute the standard of care expected of a nurse.
D. Expert testimony is indeed important in negligence cases, and an expert nurse can provide valuable insight into proper nursing practices. However, this option does not fully capture the essence of establishing negligence as clearly as option B, which specifically mentions the standard of a “reasonable, prudent nurse.”
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. While it's important to obtain a formal DNR order, the nurse should not delay providing emergency care while waiting for the order. The client's immediate needs take precedence.
B. The risk manager can provide guidance and support, but they cannot provide immediate medical care. The nurse's priority should be to provide emergency care to the client.
C. Even in the absence of a formal DNR order, the nurse has a legal and ethical duty to provide emergency care to a client who is in cardiac or respiratory arrest.
D. This is the most appropriate action. The nurse should immediately call the emergency response team to initiate resuscitation efforts. While waiting for the team to arrive, the nurse should continue to provide basic life support measures, such as CPR and rescue breathing. Once the emergency response team arrives, they will take over the resuscitation efforts and obtain a formal DNR order from the provider if necessary.
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