A nursing student uses an uncommon and unrecognized abbreviation when charting on a patient.
While re-educating the student nurse, what reasoning should the nurse provide for not using uncommon and unrecognized abbreviations?
"The medical record is a legal document and using abbreviations is forbidden.”.
"Abbreviations should only be used when charting units of measurement!".
"Uncommon and unrecognized abbreviations could be misunderstood and compromise patient safety.”.
"Uncommon and unrecognized abbreviations can be used if you first provide education to the nursing staff on what they mean.”. .
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
The statement that abbreviations are forbidden on a medical record is not entirely accurate. While there are specific abbreviations that should be avoided, not all abbreviations are forbidden. The key is to use recognized and standard abbreviations to prevent misunderstandings.
Choice B rationale:
The statement about using abbreviations only for units of measurement is too restrictive. Abbreviations can be used for various purposes in medical charting, but it is crucial to ensure they are standard, recognized, and widely understood to maintain clarity and patient safety.
Choice C rationale:
Uncommon and unrecognized abbreviations could indeed be misunderstood, leading to misinterpretation of important information. This misunderstanding could compromise patient safety by affecting treatment decisions or medication administration. Using standardized and commonly accepted abbreviations ensures clear communication among healthcare professionals.
Choice D rationale:
Allowing the use of uncommon and unrecognized abbreviations with staff education does not guarantee patient safety. Educating staff about these abbreviations might mitigate some risks, but misunderstandings can still occur, especially in high-stress situations or when dealing with staff turnover. Standardized communication methods are essential to prevent errors.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Telling the patient that their wife will be fine does not address the patient's concerns and may come across as dismissive. It does not encourage further communication about the patient's fears and worries.
Choice B rationale:
Dismissing the patient's concerns and instructing them to sleep does not address the underlying issue. It fails to acknowledge the patient's emotional distress and may make the patient feel unheard and unsupported.
Choice C rationale:
Offering medication without exploring the patient's concerns further does not address the root cause of the patient's anxiety. It is important to assess the patient's emotional state and concerns before resorting to medication.
Choice D rationale:
Asking the patient, "What seems to be concerning you the most?" demonstrates active listening and empathy. It encourages the patient to express their feelings and fears, allowing the nurse to provide appropriate emotional support and interventions. Open-ended questions like this facilitate therapeutic communication and help establish trust between the nurse and the patient.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Applying ankle restraints but leaving the wrists unrestrained is not a balanced approach. Restraints should only be used when necessary and should be applied correctly following the healthcare facility's policies and guidelines. Applying restraints to one part of the body while leaving another unrestrained can lead to injuries and is not a safe practice.
Choice B rationale:
Tying a double knot that is difficult to undo can be dangerous in emergency situations. Restraints should allow for quick release in case of emergencies, ensuring patient safety. Difficult-to-undo knots can delay the removal of restraints, leading to potential harm to the patient.
Choice C rationale:
Tying a slip knot to the side rails of the bed is unsafe and against restraint protocols. Slip knots can tighten when pulled, increasing the risk of injury to the patient. Restraints should be applied to designated areas and never tied to movable parts of the bed or other objects in the room.
Choice D rationale:
Checking on the patient frequently is the most appropriate action when a patient is in restraints. Regular monitoring ensures the patient's safety and well-being, assesses their comfort, and allows for prompt response to any signs of distress or discomfort. Frequent checks also help in preventing complications associated with immobilization, such as pressure ulcers and impaired circulation.
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