The nurse is caring for a patient with the following vital signs:
Temperature: 98.9°F
Pulse: 94
Respirations: 20
Blood pressure: 144/94
Pulse oximetry: 94%
What is the priority action of the nurse?
Ask the patient about his usual blood pressure results.
Apply a cool washcloth to the patient's forehead.
Administer oxygen at 2 L/minute via nasal cannula.
Document the findings in the patient's medical record.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: This is an incorrect choice because asking the patient about his usual blood pressure results is not a priority action. The patient's blood pressure is elevated, but not dangerously high. The nurse should monitor the blood pressure and report any significant changes to the physician, but this is not an urgent intervention.
Choice B reason: This is an incorrect choice because applying a cool washcloth to the patient's forehead is not a priority action. The patient's temperature is normal, and there is no indication of fever or heat stroke. The nurse should ensure the patient is comfortable and hydrated, but this is not an urgent intervention.
Choice C reason: This is the correct choice because administering oxygen at 2 L/minute via nasal cannula is a priority action. The patient's pulse oximetry is low, indicating hypoxia or inadequate oxygenation of the tissues. The nurse should provide supplemental oxygen to improve the patient's oxygen saturation and prevent further complications.
Choice D reason: This is an incorrect choice because documenting the findings in the patient's medical record is not a priority action. The nurse should document the patient's vital signs and any interventions performed, but this is not an urgent intervention. The nurse should prioritize the patient's safety and well-being over documentation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is an incorrect choice because suggesting having warm milk with a shot of whisky before going to bed is not an appropriate intervention to treat ongoing insomnia for a middle-aged adult with a busy career. Warm milk may have some soothing effects on the patient, but adding whisky to it may counteract the benefits and worsen the insomnia. Alcohol is a depressant that can make the patient feel sleepy at first, but it can also disrupt the sleep cycle and cause frequent awakenings, nightmares, or hangovers.
Choice B reason: This is an incorrect choice because obtaining a prescription for zolpidem to be taken at bedtime is not an appropriate intervention to treat ongoing insomnia for a middle-aged adult with a busy career. Zolpidem is a hypnotic drug that can induce sleep and improve the sleep quality and quantity of the patient, but it can also have many side effects and interactions, and cause dependence, tolerance, or withdrawal. Zolpidem should be used only as a short-term treatment for insomnia, and only under the supervision of a physician.
Choice C reason: This is an incorrect choice because recommending the use of sleep aids such as triazolam is not an appropriate intervention to treat ongoing insomnia for a middle-aged adult with a busy career. Triazolam is a benzodiazepine drug that can enhance the activity of GABA, a neurotransmitter that inhibits brain activity and promotes sleep. However, it can also have many side effects and interactions, and cause dependence, tolerance, or withdrawal. Triazolam should be used only as a short-term treatment for insomnia, and only under the supervision of a physician.
Choice D reason: This is the correct choice because encouraging the patient to practice peaceful meditation before bedtime is an appropriate intervention to treat ongoing insomnia for a middle-aged adult with a busy career. Meditation is a relaxation technique that can reduce stress, anxiety, and negative emotions, and promote calmness, mindfulness, and well-being. Meditation can help the patient to fall asleep faster and sleep better, and it does not have any adverse effects or risks. The nurse should teach the patient how to meditate and encourage the patient to practice it regularly.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is an incorrect choice because the hospice RN works closely with the patient’s daughter to ensure that the patient’s dying requests are met is not a patient assignment that demonstrates the concept of team nursing. Team nursing is a model of care in which a team of healthcare providers, including RNs, licensed practical nurses (LPNs), nursing assistants, and other support staff, work together to provide care for a group of patients¹. Working closely with the patient’s daughter is an example of family-centered care, not team nursing.
Choice B reason: This is an incorrect choice because the RN cares for the same five patients every day during their stay following joint replacement surgery is not a patient assignment that demonstrates the concept of team nursing. Team nursing is a model of care in which a team of healthcare providers, including RNs, licensed practical nurses (LPNs), nursing assistants, and other support staff, work together to provide care for a group of patients¹. Caring for the same five patients every day is an example of primary nursing, not team nursing.
Choice C reason: This is the correct choice because the RN, the LPN, and the nursing assistant work together to provide all the care needed by eight patients for the shift is a patient assignment that demonstrates the concept of team nursing. Team nursing is a model of care in which a team of healthcare providers, including RNs, licensed practical nurses (LPNs), nursing assistants, and other support staff, work together to provide care for a group of patients¹. Each member of the team performs specific duties appropriate to their role to provide total patient care. Teams may include licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) that are supervised by a registered nurse (RN). Less experienced, or non-critical care RNs, may be assigned to a team in a critical care unit led by an experienced critical care RN. Each team member plays a vital role.
Choice D reason: This is an incorrect choice because the RN coordinates care of the patient with the physician assistant to ensure that the clinical pathway is followed is not a patient assignment that demonstrates the concept of team nursing. Team nursing is a model of care in which a team of healthcare providers, including RNs, licensed practical nurses (LPNs), nursing assistants, and other support staff, work together to provide care for a group of patients¹. Coordinating care of the patient with the physician assistant is an example of interprofessional collaboration, not team nursing.
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