A nurse is teaching a newly licensed nurse about delegating tasks to assistive personnel. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

a. MS 10 mg IV every 4 prn for pain

This choice is incorrect because it lacks clarity and proper formatting. "MS" could be misunderstood as "morphine sulfate," but it's not specified. Additionally, "every 4 prn for pain" is not a standard way to write a prescription. It should indicate the frequency (e.g., every 4 hours) and the indication for administration (e.g., prn for pain).

b. Morphine sulfate 10 mg IV q 4 hr IV prn for pain

This choice is the correct transcription of the prescription. It clearly states the medication (morphine sulfate), the dosage (10 mg), the route (IV), the frequency (every 4 hours), and the indication for administration (prn for pain).

c. MSO4 10 mg IVP q 4 prn for pain

This choice is incorrect due to the use of abbreviations that may not be universally understood. While "MSO4" likely stands for morphine sulfate, it's preferable to write it out completely to avoid confusion. Additionally, "q 4" is not clear and should be written as "every 4 hours."

d. Morphine sulfate 10.0 mg every 4 hours IV prn for pain

This choice is incorrect because it specifies the dosage with unnecessary precision (10.0 mg instead of 10 mg). While this level of precision is not typically required in medication prescriptions, it doesn't make the prescription incorrect per se. However, it's not the most common or standard way to write medication orders.

a. "I should encrypt personal health information when sending emails."

This statement indicates an understanding of the importance of protecting confidential information during electronic communication. Encrypting personal health information in emails adds an extra layer of security to prevent unauthorized access.

b. "I can use another nurse’s password as long as I log off after using the computer."

This statement is incorrect and demonstrates a lack of understanding of client confidentiality. Sharing passwords is a violation of security policies and compromises the confidentiality of client information. Each nurse should have their unique login credentials to ensure accountability and traceability.

c. "I should discard personal health information documents in the trash before leaving the unit."

This statement is incorrect. Discarding personal health information in an unsecured manner, such as in the regular trash, can lead to unauthorized access and a breach of confidentiality. Proper disposal methods, such as shredding or using secure disposal containers, should be followed to protect sensitive information.

d. "I can post the client’s vital signs in the client’s room."

This statement is incorrect. Posting client information, including vital signs, in a public area like the client's room violates confidentiality. Personal health information should be shared only with authorized individuals involved in the patient's care and through secure communication methods. Posting such information in a public space compromises the client's privacy.