During an evening shift on a medical unit, the only nurse on the unit is busy with an unstable client. The unit clerk, who is also both a certified medication aide and an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP), reports to the nurse that a healthcare provider is on the telephone and wishes to prescribe an as needed (PRN) dose of an oral over-the-counter laxative for a client who is constipated. Which instruction should the nurse provide the unit clerk?
Remain with this client and monitor the vital signs while the nurse takes the call.
Ask the healthcare provider to remain on "hold" until the nurse can confirm the prescription.
Be sure to write down what is prescribed and then repeat it back to the healthcare provider.
Tell the healthcare provider the nurse will return the phone call as soon as possible.
The Correct Answer is D
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This action is not a priority, as it may delay the response to a potential fire. The charge nurse should assume that the fire alarm is real and act accordingly.
Choice B Reason: This action may expose the clients' family members to smoke or fire, as the visitor waiting area may not be safe. The charge nurse should ensure that everyone is in a protected area.
Choice C Reason: This action may be dangerous, as the stairs may be filled with smoke or fire. The charge nurse should follow the hospital's fire safety protocol, which usually involves closing doors, windows, and vents to prevent the spread of fire.
Choice D Reason: This action is the most appropriate, as it follows the RACE acronym for fire safety: Rescue anyone in immediate danger, Alarm by activating the fire alarm system, Contain by closing doors and windows, and Extinguish or evacuate as directed.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is not the first priority because it does not address the client's immediate needs. The nurse should obtain the client's legal records for power of attorney, but this can be done later.
Choice B Reason: This is a good action because it helps relieve the client's pain and discomfort. The nurse should give analgesic medications as needed (PRN), but this is not enough to meet the client's holistic needs.
Choice C Reason: This is not an appropriate action because it may cause harm to the client. The nurse should not discontinue the intravenous infusion without a valid reason and a healthcare provider's order.
Choice D Reason: This is the best action because it respects the client's wishes and provides him with quality end-of-life care. The nurse should ask the palliative care team to speak with the client and offer him emotional, spiritual, and physical support.
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