Which is the role of the nurse regarding a malfunctioning IV pump?

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.

Choice A reason: This is incorrect. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality is a federal agency that supports research and improvement of health care quality and safety, but it does not provide treatment guidelines for acetaminophen overdose.

Choice B reason: This is correct. The American Association of Poison Control Centers is a national organization that provides poison information and treatment recommendations through a network of poison centers. The nurse can call the poison center at 1-800-222-1222 to get expert advice on how to manage the patient who took 60 acetaminophen tablets.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is a federal agency that monitors and prevents diseases and public health threats, but it does not provide treatment guidelines for acetaminophen overdose.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect. The Institute for Safe Medication Practices is a nonprofit organization that promotes safe medication practices and error prevention, but it does not provide treatment guidelines for acetaminophen overdose.