Which assessment finding leads the nurse to add risk for poisoning to the patient’s care plan?

Choice A reason: This is the correct choice because performing a focused patient assessment is the first action of the nurse when starting care for the patient at the beginning of the shift. A focused patient assessment involves collecting data about the patient's current condition, needs, and preferences. This data helps the nurse to identify any changes, problems, or risks that require immediate attention or intervention.

Choice B reason: This is an incorrect choice because conducting the patient’s health history is not the first action of the nurse when starting care for the patient at the beginning of the shift. A health history involves collecting data about the patient's past and present health status, medical history, family history, and social history. This data helps the nurse to understand the patient's background, risk factors, and health goals. A health history is usually conducted during the admission process or the initial assessment, not at the beginning of each shift.

Choice C reason: This is an incorrect choice because creating the nursing care plan for the patient is not the first action of the nurse when starting care for the patient at the beginning of the shift. A nursing care plan involves developing a set of interventions and outcomes based on the patient's assessment data, diagnosis, and goals. This plan guides the nurse to provide individualized and holistic care for the patient. A nursing care plan is usually created after the initial assessment and updated regularly throughout the care process, not at the beginning of each shift.

Choice D reason: This is an incorrect choice because administering prescribed medications is not the first action of the nurse when starting care for the patient at the beginning of the shift. Administering prescribed medications involves giving the patient the right drug, dose, route, time, and documentation according to the physician's order and the nursing standards. This action requires the nurse to check the patient's assessment data, allergies, vital signs, and laboratory results before giving the medication. Administering prescribed medications is usually done after performing a focused patient assessment, not before.

Choice A reason: This is the correct choice because providing a warm cup of hot chocolate may make it more difficult for the patient to fall asleep. Hot chocolate contains caffeine and sugar, which are stimulants that can interfere with the sleep cycle and cause insomnia. The nurse should avoid giving the patient any beverages or foods that contain caffeine or sugar before bedtime.

Choice B reason: This is an incorrect choice because giving the patient a gentle backrub may make it easier for the patient to fall asleep. A backrub is a relaxation technique that can reduce muscle tension, pain, and anxiety, and promote comfort and sleep. The nurse should offer the patient a backrub or other soothing interventions before bedtime.

Choice C reason: This is an incorrect choice because encouraging the patient to use the bathroom may make it easier for the patient to fall asleep. Using the bathroom before bed can prevent nocturia, which is the need to urinate at night, and allow the patient to have uninterrupted sleep. The nurse should assist the patient to use the bathroom or provide a urinal or bedpan if needed.

Choice D reason: This is an incorrect choice because giving the patient an extra blanket when cold may make it easier for the patient to fall asleep. Maintaining a comfortable temperature is important for sleep quality and quantity. The nurse should adjust the room temperature and provide extra blankets or fans as requested by the patient.