A nurse is orienting a newly licensed nurse about documentation of a client’s information in the electronic health record. Which of the following statements by the newly licensed nurse indicates understanding of the purpose of documentation?

A. Documentation is a communication tool for the interprofessional health care team

The purpose of documentation in the electronic health record (EHR) includes serving as a communication tool among members of the interprofessional healthcare team. Accurate and timely documentation allows healthcare providers to share information about the client's care, treatment, and outcomes.

B. Documentation allows providers to monitor the nurse’s activities:

While documentation provides a record of the nurse's activities, the primary purpose is to communicate information about patient care rather than serving as a tool for monitoring the nurse's activities.

C. Documentation provides information to the client about financial charges:

The primary purpose of documentation is to record and communicate information about the client's health status, care, and outcomes. Financial information is typically managed separately from clinical documentation.

D. Documentation provides information for a client audit:

While documentation can be used in audits for quality assurance, the primary purpose is to record and communicate information about patient care. The use of documentation for audits is a secondary function related to quality improvement and regulatory compliance.

A. Adequacy of circulation:

This assessment is the highest priority for a client who has undergone a procedure to bypass arteries in the right leg. Monitoring for signs of adequate blood flow, such as color, temperature, capillary refill, and pulses in the operated leg, is critical to identify and address any circulation issues early.

B. Patency of airway:

While maintaining a patent airway is always a priority in postoperative care, it is not the immediate concern in a client who has just undergone a leg bypass procedure. Airway management is essential, but assessing circulation in the operated limb takes precedence.

C. Movement of lower leg:

Assessing movement of the lower leg is important for detecting signs of impaired motor function or complications. However, it is secondary to assessing the adequacy of circulation, which is critical for preventing ischemia and other circulatory issues.

D. Neurovascular status of the left leg:

While monitoring the neurovascular status of the left leg is a valid aspect of the overall assessment, the priority in the immediate postoperative period is to assess the surgical site (right leg) to ensure that blood flow is adequate and that there are no immediate complications.