A community health nurse is developing a brochure about hypertension.

Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Correct answer: C

A.Opening the dampers of fireplaces: This instruction is not appropriate during an outdoor chemical disaster. Opening the dampers of fireplaces can allow contaminated air from outside to enter the home, increasing the exposure to hazardous substances. It is best to avoid introducing outdoor air into the home during such incidents.

B. Turning on ceiling fans and air conditioners: This instruction is also not recommended during an outdoor chemical disaster. Turning on fans and air conditioners can potentially circulate contaminated air within the home, leading to increased exposure. It is best to turn off fans and air conditioners during such incidents and focus on evacuating the area.

C. Covering heat registers with plastic and tape: Covering heat registers with plastic and tape would help seal off potential entry points for contaminated air, reducing the risk of indoor contamination.

D.In the case of a nearby outdoor chemical disaster, it is usually safer to stay indoors and seal the home rather than exit, as going outside could increase exposure to the harmful chemicals.

The nurse should take the following actions when receiving a telephone prescription from a client's provider:

1. Ask the provider to spell out the name of the medication: This is important to ensure accurate transcription of the medication name. Spelling out the name helps prevent errors due to similar-sounding medications or confusion with abbreviations.
2. Request that the provider confirm the read-back of the prescription: This step ensures that the nurse and the provider are on the same page and that the prescription has been accurately transcribed. It allows for verification and correction if any discrepancies are identified.
3. Record the date and time of the telephone prescription: Documenting the date and time of the telephone prescription is essential for tracking and reference purposes. It helps establish a clear timeline of events and ensures proper documentation of the medication order.

It is not necessary to withhold the medication until the provider signs the prescription, as telephone prescriptions are typically followed up with a written prescription or electronic verification.

Instructing another nurse to record the prescription in the medical record may not be necessary, as the nurse who received the telephone prescription is responsible for accurately documenting the order in the medical record. However, if necessary, the nurse can delegate the task of documentation to another qualified staff member under their supervision, ensuring accuracy and completeness.