An experienced, female practical nurse (PN) is hired to work on the surgical unit of a tertiary hospital. The first day she is working on the unit, the PN tells the charge nurse that she has excellent wound care skills. It is a busy day and a postoperative client needs to have a sterile dressing change. Which action is best for the charge nurse to take?
Review the PN's skill checklist to assess for wound care competency.
Watch the PN perform sterile wound care to validate her skill level.
Tell the PN that past experience does not indicate ability to perform skills.
Ask the PN to change the sterile dressing while the nurse is busy.
The Correct Answer is B
A) This action is not the best because it does not directly evaluate the PN's wound care skills in practice. A skill checklist may not reflect the current or actual abilities of the PN, especially if it is outdated or based on self-
reporting. The charge nurse should observe the PN's performance in person to ensure that she follows the proper procedures and protocols for sterile wound care.
B) This action is the best because it allows the charge nurse to verify the PN's wound care skills and provide feedback or guidance if needed. The charge nurse has a responsibility to ensure that the PN delivers safe and effective care to the clients on the unit. By watching the PN perform sterile wound care, the charge nurse can assess her competence, confidence, and compliance with standards of practice.
C) This action is not the best because it is disrespectful and discouraging to the PN. The charge nurse should not dismiss or undermine the PN's past experience, which may have contributed to her wound care skills. The charge nurse should acknowledge and appreciate the PN's expertise, but also verify her skill level through direct
observation.
D) This action is not the best because it exposes the client to potential harm and liability. The charge nurse should not delegate a task that requires assessment and evaluation to a PN without first confirming her skill level and competency. The charge nurse should also not ask the PN to perform a task while she is busy with other duties, as this may compromise the quality and safety of care.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This client has a potential airway obstruction and needs close monitoring by the nurse. Laryngeal nerve damage can cause vocal cord paralysis, which can lead to respiratory distress and aspiration.
Choice B Reason: This client needs education on the medication and its side effects, but this can be done by the PN under the supervision of the nurse. Levothyroxine is a synthetic thyroid hormone that replaces deficient hormones in hypothyroidism.
Choice C Reason: This client needs ongoing management of diabetes, but this can be done by the PN under the supervision of the nurse. Glycosylated Hgb (Hgb A1C) is a measure of the average blood glucose level over the past three months.
Choice D Reason: This client has a life-threatening condition that requires immediate treatment with corticosteroids, but this can be done by the PN under the supervision of the nurse. Addison's crisis is a severe form of adrenal insufficiency that causes hypotension, shock, and electrolyte imbalance.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Remaining with this client and monitoring the vital signs while the nurse takes the call is not an appropriate instruction for the unit clerk. The unit clerk is not qualified to monitor vital signs or provide direct care to clients. The nurse should delegate this task to another licensed nurse or UAP who has been trained and validated in this skill.
Choice B Reason: Asking the healthcare provider to remain on "hold" until the nurse can confirm the prescription is not an appropriate instruction for the unit clerk. The unit clerk is not authorized to take verbal or telephone orders from healthcare providers. Only licensed nurses or pharmacists can do so, following specific policies and procedures.
Choice C Reason: Writing down what is prescribed and then repeating it back to the healthcare provider is not an appropriate instruction for the unit clerk. The unit clerk is not authorized to take verbal or telephone orders from healthcare providers. Only licensed nurses or pharmacists can do so, following specific policies and procedures.
Choice D Reason: Telling the healthcare provider the nurse will return the phone call as soon as possible is an appropriate instruction for the unit clerk. The unit clerk can relay messages between the healthcare provider and the nurse, but cannot take orders or give information about clients. The nurse should prioritize calling back the healthcare provider after stabilizing the unstable client.
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