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 C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Refrigerating a midstream urine sample aligns with proper storage protocols, as it prevents degradation and ensures accurate results. This action adheres to infection control standards, minimizing contamination risks during specimen processing.
Choice B rationale
Cleaning with chlorhexidine following a blood spill adheres to effective infection control practices. Chlorhexidine is a potent antiseptic that eliminates pathogens and reduces infection risks, particularly after exposure to bloodborne microorganisms.
Choice C rationale
Alcohol-based antiseptic is ineffective against varicella zoster, which requires soap and water or antimicrobial agents to ensure decontamination. Misuse of antiseptics in this scenario poses an infection hazard as the nurse may inadvertently facilitate pathogen transmission.
Choice D rationale
Using sterile 0.9% sodium chloride irrigation solution is a standard wound-cleaning procedure, promoting sterility and minimizing infection risks. This practice aligns with aseptic techniques critical in specimen collection and wound care management. .
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Suggesting long-term care placement may disregard the client’s autonomy and independence. Postoperative care often emphasizes rehabilitation and support, not institutionalization, unless medically necessary or preferred by the client. Autonomy is vital in discharge planning, aligning with patient-centered care principles.
Choice B rationale
Referral to social services connects the client with resources like home care or rehabilitation. Social workers can assess unmet needs and coordinate assistance, ensuring a safe discharge. Collaboration improves outcomes in individuals lacking support systems.
Choice C rationale
Ethics committees address dilemmas with moral implications, like end-of-life care. Discharge planning typically requires clinical and social assessment rather than moral adjudication. Engaging the ethics committee unnecessarily delays support.
Choice D rationale
Discharge timing is based on clinical readiness and does not hinge solely on the client’s social situation. Suggesting delay may not address unmet needs. Utilizing support resources is more constructive.
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