A nurse is reinforcing teaching about delegation with a newly licensed nurse. Which of the following statements, if made by the newly licensed nurse, indicates understanding?

The correct answer is: c. Less time for direct client care

Choice A: Decreased amount of paperwork

Reason: One of the advantages of electronic charting is that it significantly reduces the amount of paperwork. Traditional paper records require extensive manual documentation, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors. Electronic systems streamline this process, making it easier to input and retrieve patient information. Therefore, decreased paperwork is a benefit, not a challenge.

Choice B: Increased number of medication errors

Reason: Electronic charting systems are designed to reduce medication errors by providing features such as electronic prescribing, automated alerts for potential drug interactions, and barcode scanning for medication administration. These systems help ensure that the right medication is given to the right patient at the right time, thereby decreasing the likelihood of errors. Hence, increased medication errors are not typically associated with electronic charting.

Choice C: Less time for direct client care

Reason: One of the significant challenges of electronic charting is that it can be time-consuming, requiring nurses to spend a considerable amount of time on documentation. This can reduce the time available for direct patient care. Nurses often report that the demands of electronic documentation can detract from their ability to engage with patients, perform assessments, and provide hands-on care.

Choice D: Provides evidence of care provided

Reason: Providing evidence of care is a benefit of electronic charting, not a challenge. Electronic health records (EHRs) create a detailed and accurate record of the care provided, which can be easily accessed and reviewed. This documentation is crucial for legal, regulatory, and quality improvement purposes. Therefore, this option does not represent a challenge.

Choice A reason: This statement is incorrect because a rigid abdomen is not a common finding for a client who has had diarrhea for several days. A rigid abdomen may indicate peritonitis, which is an inflammation of the abdominal lining, usually caused by an infection or a perforation of an organ. A client with peritonitis may also have severe abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting.
Choice B reason: This statement is correct because dehydration is a common finding for a client who has had diarrhea for several days. Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in, which can happen with frequent and watery stools. A client with dehydration may also have dry mouth, thirst, decreased urine output, dark urine, low blood pressure, increased heart rate, and confusion.
Choice C reason: This statement is incorrect because hypothermia is not a common finding for a client who has had diarrhea for several days. Hypothermia occurs when the body temperature drops below 35°C (95°F), usually due to exposure to cold environments or inadequate clothing. A client with hypothermia may also have shivering, slow breathing, slow pulse, drowsiness, and loss of consciousness.
Choice D reason: This statement is incorrect because decreased bowel sounds are not a common finding for a client who has had diarrhea for several days. Decreased bowel sounds may indicate ileus, which is a temporary paralysis of the intestinal movement, usually caused by surgery, medication, or inflammation. A client with ileus may also have abdominal distension, constipation, nausea, and vomiting.