The charge nurse is assigning care to clients who are all receiving continuous intravenous medication infusions. The client receiving which medication infusion is best to assign to the licensed practical nurse (PN), rather than an RN?
Nitroprusside sodium, an antihypertensive.
Methotrexate, an antimetabolite chemotherapeutic agent.
Octreotide acetate, an antidiarrheal agent.
Amiodarone hydrochloride, an antiarrhythmic agent.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Nitroprusside sodium, an antihypertensive, is not the best medication infusion to assign to the PN. This medication requires close monitoring of blood pressure, heart rate, and cyanide levels. It also has a short half-life and needs frequent titration. These tasks are beyond the scope of practice of the PN and should be performed by the RN.
Choice B reason: Methotrexate, an antimetabolite chemotherapeutic agent, is not the best medication infusion to assign to the PN. This medication is used to treat various types of cancer and can cause severe side effects such as bone marrow suppression, hepatotoxicity, and mucositis. It also requires special precautions to prevent exposure and contamination. These tasks are beyond the scope of practice of the PN and should be performed by the RN.
Choice C reason: Octreotide acetate, an antidiarrheal agent, is the best medication infusion to assign to the PN. This medication is used to treat diarrhea caused by certain hormonal disorders such as carcinoid syndrome or acromegaly. It has a relatively long half-life and does not require frequent adjustments. It also has minimal side effects and does not need special precautions. These tasks are within the scope of practice of the PN and can be delegated by the RN.
Choice D reason: Amiodarone hydrochloride, an antiarrhythmic agent, is not the best medication infusion to assign to the PN. This medication is used to treat various types of cardiac arrhythmias and can cause serious side effects such as hypotension, bradycardia, pulmonary toxicity, and thyroid dysfunction. It also requires close monitoring of electrocardiogram, vital signs, and blood tests. These tasks are beyond the scope of practice of the PN and should be performed by the RN.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: How many departments can use this equipment is not the most important question to consider when analyzing the cost-benefit for this piece of equipment. This question may be relevant for determining the utilization and availability of the equipment, but it does not directly address the cost or the benefit of the equipment.
Choice B reason: Can the equipment be updated each year is not the most important question to consider when analyzing the cost-benefit for this piece of equipment. This question may be relevant for determining the longevity and compatibility of the equipment, but it does not directly address the cost or the benefit of the equipment.
Choice C reason: Is the cost of equipment reasonable is the most important question to consider when analyzing the cost-benefit for this piece of equipment. This question directly addresses the cost of the equipment and compares it to the expected benefit of the equipment. A reasonable cost means that the equipment is worth the investment and will provide a positive return on value.
Choice D reason: Will the equipment require annual repair is not the most important question to consider when analyzing the cost-benefit for this piece of equipment. This question may be relevant for determining the maintenance and reliability of the equipment, but it does not directly address the cost or the benefit of the equipment.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is the best intervention to ensure the safety of the clients and staff. According to the [hospital fire drill requirements](^3^), the first step in a fire evacuation is to rescue persons from the room or area and move them away from where fire, smoke, or the strong smell of smoke exists. Ambulatory clients can be assisted to the nearest fire exits by the nursing staff, following the [fire safety standard operating procedure](^2^).
Choice B reason: This is not a good intervention, as it may delay the evacuation and endanger the clients and staff. Wheelchairs are not designed to be used in fire situations, and they may not fit through the fire exits or the stairwells. Non-ambulatory clients should be transferred using evacuation devices such as evacuation chairs, stretchers, or mattresses, as recommended by the [hospital evacuation checklist](^5^).
Choice C reason: This is a dangerous intervention, as it may expose the visitors to the fire and smoke. Service elevators should not be used in a fire situation, as they may malfunction or stop at the fire floor. Visitors should be instructed to use the fire exits and the stairwells to evacuate the building, following the [fire safety standard operating procedure](^2^).
Choice D reason: This is a passive intervention, as it does not ensure the safety of the clients and staff. Shutting the doors to the client rooms may help to contain the fire and smoke, but it does not guarantee that they will not spread to other areas. The charge nurse should initiate the evacuation procedures as soon as possible, following the [hospital evacuation checklist](^5^).
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