a nurse is planning the assignments for the shift which task should the nurse assign to the nursing assistant

NCLEX-PN

NCLEX PN Test Bank

1. A nurse is planning the assignments for the shift. Which task should the nurse assign to the nursing assistant?

A. Monitoring the vital signs for a client who needs a blood transfusion
B. Performing hygiene for a client with diarrhea on whom contact precautions have been imposed
C. Performing a dressing change on a client with a draining abdominal wound that requires frequent dressing changes
D. Ambulating a client with angina who needs to be ambulated for the first time since admission

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When assigning tasks, a nurse should consider the job description of the nursing assistant, their clinical competence, and state law. Monitoring vital signs for a client needing a blood transfusion, performing a dressing change on a client with a draining wound, and ambulating a client with angina are tasks that require a licensed nurse's skill. On the other hand, providing hygiene care for a client with diarrhea under contact precautions is a task suitable for a nursing assistant. Nursing assistants are trained to provide hygiene care effectively and manage clients under specific precautions, making this task appropriate for them.

2. All of the following interventions should be performed when fetal heart monitoring indicates fetal distress except:

A. Increase maternal fluids.
B. Administer oxygen.
C. Decrease maternal fluids.
D. Turn the mother.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When fetal heart monitoring indicates fetal distress, interventions are aimed at improving oxygenation to the fetus. Increasing maternal fluids helps improve placental perfusion and oxygen delivery to the fetus. Administering oxygen also aids in increasing oxygen supply to the fetus. Turning the mother can help relieve pressure on the vena cava, optimizing blood flow to the placenta. Therefore, decreasing maternal fluids would not be performed as it can further compromise placental perfusion and fetal oxygenation, making it the exception. Decreasing maternal fluids could potentially exacerbate fetal distress by reducing oxygen delivery and nutrient supply to the fetus, which is contrary to the goal of managing fetal distress.

3. How is the information documented on incident reports used?

A. to analyze risk categories
B. to ensure compliance with regulations
C. to identify staff's educational needs
D. all of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The information documented on incident reports is used for various purposes, including analyzing risk categories, ensuring compliance with regulations, and identifying staff's educational needs. Incident reports provide valuable data that can be utilized in risk management, quality monitoring, and improvement programs. Therefore, the correct answer is 'all of the above.' Choices A, B, and C are all correct as incident reports are used for analyzing risk categories, ensuring compliance with regulations, and identifying staff's educational needs, respectively. Thus, the most comprehensive answer is 'all of the above.'

4. While assisting a healthcare provider in assessing a hospitalized client, the healthcare provider is paged to report to the recovery room. The healthcare provider instructs the nurse verbally to change the solution and rate of the intravenous (IV) fluid being administered. What is the most appropriate nursing action in this situation?

A. Calling the nursing supervisor to obtain permission to accept the verbal prescription
B. Asking the healthcare provider to write the prescription in the client's record before leaving the nursing unit
C. Telling the healthcare provider that the prescription will not be implemented until it is documented in the client's record
D. Changing the solution and rate of the IV fluid per the healthcare provider's verbal prescription

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Verbal prescriptions should be avoided due to the risk of errors. If a verbal prescription is necessary, it should be promptly written and signed by the healthcare provider, typically within 24 hours. Following agency policies and procedures regarding verbal prescriptions is crucial. In this scenario, the most appropriate nursing action is to request the healthcare provider to document the prescription in the client's record before leaving the unit. Calling the nursing supervisor to accept the verbal prescription without documentation, telling the healthcare provider to delay treatment until documented, and directly changing the IV fluid based on verbal orders all pose risks and do not align with best practices in medication administration.

5. The mother of a child who weighs 45 lb asks a nurse about car safety seats. The nurse tells the mother to place the child in which car safety seat?

A. Car safety seat in the back seat in a face-forward position
B. Booster seat with one of the car's seat belts placed over the child
C. Booster seat in a rear-facing position in the front seat
D. Car safety seat in a face-forward position in the front seat

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to place the child in a booster seat with one of the car's seat belts placed over the child. A child needs to remain in a car safety seat until he or she weighs 40 lb. Once the child has outgrown the car safety seat, a booster seat is used. Booster seats are designed to raise the child high enough so that the restraining straps are correctly positioned over the child's chest and pelvis, providing optimal safety. Placing a child in a booster seat in a rear-facing position in the front seat is incorrect as children should not be seated in the front seat due to potential airbag-related injuries. Additionally, car safety seats are used for children weighing less than 40 lb and are placed in the middle of the back seat in a rear-facing position for maximum protection.