The medication aide at a long-term care facility is sick and requests to go home before all medications are administered. Which action should the practical nurse (PN) take in this situation?
Deny the medication aide's request to leave before all medications are given.
Ask each unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to give medications to their assigned residents.
Assign the remainder of medication administration to another PN who is performing treatments.
Document why all the medications were not given to each of the residents.
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is Choice C: Assign the remainder of medication administration to another PN who is performing treatments.
Choice A rationale: Denying the medication aide's request to leave before all medications are given does not address the issue at hand and could potentially jeopardize patient care. It is important to acknowledge the medication aide's request and find an appropriate solution that ensures patient safety and well-being.
Choice B rationale: Delegating medication administration to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) who may not have the necessary training or authorization could lead to medication errors, adverse drug reactions, or other negative outcomes. It is essential to adhere to the scope of practice guidelines and facility policies when assigning tasks to UAPs.
Choice C rationale: Reassigning the medication administration to another PN with the necessary qualifications and training ensures that patients receive their medications in a safe and timely manner. This action aligns with the practical nurse's responsibility to supervise and delegate tasks appropriately, maintaining patient safety and upholding the standards of care.
Choice D rationale: Documenting why medications were not given to each resident is an important aspect of maintaining accurate and comprehensive patient records. However, it does not address the immediate need to administer medications to residents, and it is not a substitute for ensuring that patients receive their prescribed treatments. Documentation should be completed after the appropriate steps have been taken to administer medications or arrange for an alternative solution.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice B rationale:
Observing for extrapyramidal symptoms, such as dystonia, is the most important intervention immediately after seclusion because haloperidol is an antipsychotic medication known to have the potential for causing extrapyramidal side effects. Identifying and managing these side effects promptly is crucial to ensure the client's safety.
Choice A rationale:
Releasing the client as soon as composure is regained may not be safe if the client is still at risk of harming themselves or others. Monitoring for the resolution of symptoms and stabilization is important before releasing the client.
Choice C rationale:
Securing the room with padded walls and minimal furnishings is not the immediate priority. While seclusion rooms should be safe and comfortable, observing for potential side effects takes precedence.
Choice D rationale:
Providing one-on-one observation at all times is a resource-intensive intervention and may not be necessary for all clients. Observing for extrapyramidal symptoms is more targeted and appropriate in this scenario.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Assigning the newly hired unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to clients who require the least complex level of care is not the best approach to ensure adequate care for all clients. It may limit the UAP's opportunities for learning and growth and may not fully utilize their skills.
Choice B rationale:
Asking the most experienced UAP to partner with the newly hired UAP is a reasonable approach, but it may not provide a comprehensive solution. It can be beneficial for mentorship and guidance, but it may not address all the clients' needs efficiently.
Choice C rationale:
Reviewing the UAP's skills checklist and experience with the person who hired the UAP is an important step in assessing competency. However, it alone may not ensure adequate care for all clients. Competency assessment should be ongoing and include direct observation of care delivery.
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