Which site will the nurse use to measure the patient’s pulse rate before administering the cardiac medication Digoxin?

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 an incorrect choice because calling the operator to activate the fire alarm is not the nurse’s first response when a patient smokes in the hospital bathroom and starts a fire. Calling the operator to activate the fire alarm is an important action to alert the fire department and the other staff and patients, but it is not the most urgent or priority action. The nurse should first ensure the safety of the patient and themselves before calling for help.

Choice B reason: This is an incorrect choice because closing the door to contain the fire is not the nurse’s first response when a patient smokes in the hospital bathroom and starts a fire. Closing the door to contain the fire is a helpful action to prevent the fire from spreading to other areas, but it is not the most urgent or priority action. The nurse should first ensure the safety of the patient and themselves before containing the fire.

Choice C reason: This is an incorrect choice because utilizing a fire extinguisher to put out the fire is not the nurse’s first response when a patient smokes in the hospital bathroom and starts a fire. Utilizing a fire extinguisher to put out the fire is a possible action to control the fire, but it is not the most urgent or priority action. The nurse should first ensure the safety of the patient and themselves before attempting to extinguish the fire.

Choice D reason: This is the correct choice because removing the patient to a safe area is the nurse’s first response when a patient smokes in the hospital bathroom and starts a fire. Removing the patient to a safe area is the most urgent and priority action to protect the patient from the fire, smoke, and heat. The nurse should first assess the patient for any injuries or burns, and then move the patient to a safe and clear location away from the fire.