The nurse is caring for an elderly male client, who will be discharged from the hospital with new medications.
The nurse begins discharge teaching about the new medications.
The patient seems to be disinterested and states, "Please share this information with my wife.
She knows all my medications.”. What action would the nurse take?

Choice A rationale:

Moving the patient to the side of the bed is the first nursing action that should be implemented when assisting the patient to a lateral position for placement of a bedpan. This step ensures proper body mechanics and patient safety during the transfer. The nurse should assist the patient to the edge of the bed, farthest from them, and then help the patient turn onto their side, facing away from the nurse. This position facilitates the placement of the bedpan and maintains the patient's dignity and comfort.

Choice B rationale:

Placing the patient's arm over the chest is a subsequent step after moving the patient to the side of the bed. After the patient is in the lateral position, the nurse should assist in placing the uppermost arm comfortably over the chest to maintain balance and stability during the bedpan placement.

Choice C rationale:

Raising the bed to a proper working height is essential for the nurse's ergonomic safety and comfort during the procedure. However, it is not the first step in assisting the patient to a lateral position. The bed should be at a height that allows the nurse to work comfortably without straining their back, but this step comes after the patient has been safely positioned on their side.

Choice D rationale:

Turning the patient using the draw sheet is another appropriate technique for repositioning patients, especially when they are unable to assist with the movement. However, in this scenario, the nurse needs to assist the patient to a lateral position for the bedpan placement, which involves different techniques. Using a draw sheet might be necessary in other situations, such as when turning a bedridden patient in bed, but it is not the first action for placing a bedpan.

Choice A rationale:

The nurse is not responsible since the nurse was following the doctor's orders. Rationale: While it is essential for nurses to follow physician orders, they also have a responsibility to assess the appropriateness and safety of those orders. If the nurse administers a medication that is clearly harmful or beyond the normal dosage, they have a duty to question the order and seek clarification from the physician. Administering a medication that is twice the normal dosage without questioning the order would be a breach of the nurse's responsibility.

Choice B rationale:

Only the nurse was responsible since the nurse administered the medication. Rationale: While the nurse did administer the medication, the ultimate responsibility lies with both the nurse and the physician. The nurse should have questioned the order if it appeared to be incorrect or unsafe. Nurses are advocates for their patients and have a duty to ensure the safety and well-being of those under their care.

Choice C rationale:

Both the nurse and the physician are responsible for the error. Rationale: This is the correct choice. Both the nurse and the physician share responsibility for the error. The nurse should have questioned the order, and the physician should have prescribed the correct dosage. Patient safety is a collaborative effort, and both healthcare providers are accountable for ensuring that the patient receives appropriate and safe care.

Choice D rationale:

Only the physician is responsible since he or she ordered the drug. Rationale: While the physician did order the drug, the nurse also has a responsibility to assess the order and question it if necessary. Nurses are trained to use their clinical judgment and critical thinking skills to ensure the safety of their patients. If the nurse administers a medication without questioning a clearly incorrect dosage, they share responsibility for the error.