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 B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Ensuring transfer of the client's electronic chart code is a necessary action, but it is not the most important. The nurse should make sure that the client's records are updated and accessible to the palliative care team, but this can be done after the client is settled in the new room.
Choice B reason: Giving a detailed report to the accepting nurse is the most important action, as it ensures continuity and quality of care for the client. The nurse should provide information about the client's diagnosis, prognosis, preferences, goals, medications, interventions, and family situation.
Choice C reason: Giving client written information about end-of-life care is a helpful action, but it is not the most important. The nurse should provide the client with educational materials and resources about palliative care, hospice care, advance directives, and bereavement support, but this can be done later or by the palliative care team.
Choice D reason: Taking the family to the client's new room is a supportive action, but it is not the most important. The nurse should assist the family with the transition and offer emotional support, but this can be done after the report is given to the accepting nurse.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Providing the UAP with the infection control policy is not the first action the charge nurse should take. The charge nurse should first assess the UAP's knowledge and understanding of HIV transmission and infection control measures.
Choice B reason: Offering to assist the UAP with the collection of the specimen is not the first action the charge nurse should take. The charge nurse should first address the UAP's fear and educate the UAP about HIV transmission and infection control measures.
Choice C reason: Determining the UAP's knowledge about HIV transmission is the first action the charge nurse should take. This will help the charge nurse identify any knowledge gaps or misconceptions the UAP may have and provide appropriate education and reassurance.
Choice D reason: Demonstrating the proper use of personal protective equipment is not the first action the charge nurse should take. The charge nurse should first assess the UAP's knowledge and understanding of HIV transmission and infection control measures.
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