The nurse is caring for a patient who took 60 acetaminophen tablets. Which resource will the nurse contact for treatment guidelines when the patient arrives in the emergency room?

Choice A reason: This is incorrect. The patient frequently using an alcohol-based sanitizer for hand hygiene does not pose a risk for poisoning. Alcohol-based sanitizers are safe and effective for reducing the transmission of germs.

Choice B reason: This is correct. The patient taking acetaminophen 1000 mg every 4 hours around the clock poses a risk for poisoning. Acetaminophen is a common over-the-counter pain reliever that can cause liver damage or failure if taken in excess or for a prolonged period of time. The maximum daily dose of acetaminophen for adults is 4000 mg.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect. The patient taking alprazolam 0.25 mg every 8 hours does not pose a risk for poisoning. Alprazolam is a prescription medication that belongs to the benzodiazepine class of drugs. It is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It can cause side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, or dependence, but not poisoning.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect. The patient rinsing with a fluoride mouthwash after brushing the teeth does not pose a risk for poisoning. Fluoride is a mineral that helps prevent tooth decay and strengthen the enamel. It is added to many dental products and public water supplies. It can cause mild stomach upset if swallowed in large amounts, but not poisoning.

Choice A reason: This is a correct choice because careful delegation is a leadership skill that involves assigning tasks to the appropriate staff members based on their scope of practice, competence, and availability. Careful delegation ensures that the nursing student can focus on the most important aspects of patient care while supervising and supporting the delegated staff¹.

Choice B reason: This is a correct choice because team communication is a leadership skill that involves exchanging information, ideas, and feedback with other members of the health care team in a clear, respectful, and timely manner. Team communication facilitates collaboration, coordination, and continuity of care for the patients².

Choice C reason: This is a correct choice because case management is a leadership skill that involves planning, organizing, and evaluating the care of a specific group of patients across the continuum of care. Case management ensures that the patients receive the best quality of care while optimizing the use of resources and reducing costs³.

Choice D reason: This is a correct choice because time management is a leadership skill that involves prioritizing, scheduling, and completing tasks within the available time. Time management helps the nursing student to balance the demands of patient care, education, and personal life while avoiding stress and burnout.

Choice E reason: This is a correct choice because priority setting is a leadership skill that involves identifying the most urgent and important tasks and goals and allocating the appropriate time and resources to them. Priority setting helps the nursing student to provide safe and effective care for the patients while meeting their needs and expectations.