A nurse observes that a client is receiving medication through an infusion pump that the nurse has not been trained to use.
Which of the following is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?
Continue administering the medication and observe the client for adverse reactions.
Notify the charge nurse and request the client to be reassigned to another nurse.
Refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines and proceed to use the infusion pump.
Allow another nurse to demonstrate the use of the infusion pump and then take over.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale: Continuing to administer the medication and observing the client for adverse reactions is inappropriate in this scenario. Lack of training on the infusion pump poses a risk of medication errors, which could lead to patient harm. Proper operation of medical devices requires adequate training and understanding to ensure safety and effectiveness. Observing adverse reactions does not prevent potential errors during administration.
Choice B rationale: Notifying the charge nurse and requesting the client to be reassigned to another nurse is the correct action. Nurses must prioritize patient safety and act within their scope of competence. Communicating the lack of training ensures that the task is reassigned to a qualified nurse who can safely and accurately operate the infusion pump, minimizing risks associated with improper use.
Choice C rationale: Referring to the manufacturer's guidelines and proceeding to use the infusion pump is not the best approach. While guidelines provide technical instructions, nurses need hands-on training to fully understand and safely operate medical devices. Misinterpretation of the guidelines or insufficient familiarity with the pump's mechanisms can lead to errors, compromising patient safety.
Choice D rationale: Allowing another nurse to demonstrate the use of the infusion pump and then taking over may seem reasonable but is not ideal in this case. Demonstration alone cannot guarantee adequate competence, as proper training includes practice and assessment. The immediate priority is to ensure safe medication administration, which requires a trained and experienced nurse to handle the infusion pump directly.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Calling the surgeon to explain the procedure ensures that the client's Questions are addressed by the appropriate professional with the required expertise. This action complies with informed consent principles and prioritizes patient autonomy and understanding, essential for ethical care.
Choice B rationale
Documenting the client's concerns is important for continuity of care but does not directly address the client's need for information. Immediate action to provide clarity from the surgeon is required to ensure the client's understanding and confidence before proceeding.
Choice C rationale
Providing written materials offers supplementary information but does not replace the direct explanation needed to clarify the client's Questions. Effective communication must be verbal and tailored to address the client's specific concerns comprehensively.
Choice D rationale
Reassuring the client and proceeding with preparation overlooks their need for additional clarification. It compromises the ethical standard of informed consent, which necessitates that the client fully understands the procedure before any preparatory actions are taken.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Verifying the DNR prescription ensures that the action taken aligns with the client's wishes documented in their medical record. DNR orders dictate the client's desire not to undergo resuscitative measures, and checking its validity confirms whether the action of performing CPR was appropriate. This step respects autonomy and avoids future ethical dilemmas, as immediate confirmation of the prescription prevents further distress or conflict with family members or care teams.
Choice B rationale
Reporting to the nursing supervisor focuses on managerial actions but does not address the immediate ethical concern or family distress. While informing the supervisor may be necessary later, resolving the issue by verifying the DNR prescription provides clarity on the next steps. Supervisory involvement is more effective for administrative follow-up rather than the immediate rectification of clinical or ethical oversights related to resuscitation.
Choice C rationale
Requesting a meeting with the ethics committee delays the resolution of the immediate concern. While ethical committees provide valuable guidance in complex situations, they are generally used for deliberative processes rather than urgent matters like verifying orders. This action would unnecessarily prolong the distress faced by both the family and care team while leaving the primary issue of DNR validity unresolved.
Choice D rationale
Completing an incident report is an essential part of documentation, but it does not address the immediate need to clarify the appropriateness of CPR. Incident reports serve as retrospective tools to outline occurrences and prevent similar incidents, rather than proactive measures to mitigate current ethical concerns or provide family reassurance. Verification of the DNR takes precedence in the given scenario.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.