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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice D rationale:
Adduction is the movement of a body part toward the midline of the body. When the nurse moves the patient's leg toward the midline of the patient's body, it is an adduction movement of the hip joint. This movement involves bringing the leg back to the body's midline, which is the opposite of abduction, where the leg moves away from the midline.
Choice A rationale:
Flexion refers to the bending of a joint, decreasing the angle between two body parts. This is not the correct term for moving the leg toward the midline; it describes a different movement.
Choice B rationale:
Abduction is the movement of a body part away from the midline of the body. It is the opposite movement to adduction. When the leg moves away from the midline, it is in abduction, not adduction.
Choice C rationale:
Extension refers to the straightening of a joint, increasing the angle between two body parts. It is the opposite movement to flexion. This movement does not involve bringing the leg toward the midline.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice C rationale:
When a patient has been bedridden for an extended period, such as two weeks, the nurse expects to find atrophy of leg muscles due to immobility. Lack of physical activity leads to muscle wasting, which can result in decreased muscle mass and strength. This condition is reversible with proper rehabilitation and exercise.
Choice A rationale:
Decreased respiratory rate due to stronger lungs is not a typical effect of immobility. Immobility can lead to decreased lung expansion and increased risk of respiratory complications, such as pneumonia.
Choice B rationale:
Increased urinary output due to enhanced bladder muscle tone is not a direct effect of immobility. Immobility can affect urinary elimination, but it is more likely to cause urinary retention due to decreased mobility and inability to reach the bathroom independently.
Choice D rationale:
Frequent bowel movements due to increased peristalsis are not expected with immobility. Immobility often leads to slowed peristalsis, which can result in constipation rather than frequent bowel movements.
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