The nurse delegates vital signs for a patient to the nurse assistant. What is the nurse's responsibility regarding delegation of this task?
The nurse should review the patient's vital signs as soon as they are done.
The nurse assistant should not be responsible for obtaining vital signs.
The nurse is not responsible if the nurse assistant fails to obtain the vital signs.
The nurse assistant should determine if the patient's vital signs are abnormal.
The Correct Answer is A
A. The nurse should review the patient's vital signs as soon as they are done. Even though vital signs can be delegated, the nurse retains accountability for assessing the data, interpreting abnormalities, and determining if further action is needed.
B. The nurse assistant should not be responsible for obtaining vital signs. Nurse assistants can take vital signs if they are properly trained and it is within their scope of practice. However, the nurse remains responsible for interpreting and acting on the results.
C. The nurse is not responsible if the nurse assistant fails to obtain the vital signs. The nurse remains accountable for delegated tasks and must ensure they are completed correctly.
D. The nurse assistant should determine if the patient's vital signs are abnormal. Nurse assistants can report abnormal findings, but they are not responsible for interpreting results or making clinical decisions—this is the nurse’s responsibility.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Positional BP readings. While orthostatic blood pressure readings can assess for postural hypotension, there is no indication in the current vitals that the client is experiencing symptoms such as dizziness or syncope.
B. Carotid pulse and temperature. The client’s temperature is already documented as normal, and the carotid pulse is not needed when an irregular radial pulse has been noted. The apical pulse is the preferred method to assess for irregularities.
C. Full respiratory system assessment. The respiratory rate is within the normal range, with regular rhythm and normal depth, so a full respiratory assessment is not the immediate priority.
D. Apical pulse for one minute. An irregular radial pulse suggests the possibility of an arrhythmia. The apical pulse provides a more accurate assessment of heart rhythm and rate, ensuring a complete evaluation of the irregularity.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Bradypnea refers to an abnormally slow respiratory rate, typically below 12 breaths per minute in an adult. A rate of 32 breaths/min is too fast to be considered bradypnea.
B. Apnea is the absence of breathing for a prolonged period. Since the patient has a respiratory rate of 32 breaths/min, apnea does not apply.
C. Tachypnea is defined as a rapid respiratory rate exceeding 20 breaths per minute in an adult. A rate of 32 breaths/min indicates tachypnea, which may be caused by conditions such as fever, anxiety, or respiratory distress.
D. Eupnea refers to normal breathing, with a respiratory rate between 12–20 breaths per minute. A rate of 32 breaths/min is too high to be considered eupnea.
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