Nursing Elites

1. A risk management program within a hospital is responsible for all of the following except:

• A. identifying risks.
• B. controlling financial loss due to malpractice claims.
• C. ensuring that staff follow their job descriptions.
• D. analyzing risks and trends to guide further interventions or programs.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A risk management program within a hospital is responsible for identifying risks, controlling financial loss due to malpractice claims, and analyzing risks and trends to guide further interventions or programs. It is not responsible for ensuring that staff follow their job descriptions. Monitoring staff adherence to their job descriptions falls under the purview of departmental managers or supervisors. The primary focus of a risk management program is to assess, mitigate, and manage risks related to patient safety, quality of care, and financial implications, rather than overseeing staff job descriptions.

2. After receiving a recent tattoo, someone should be screened for:

• A. tuberculosis.
• B. herpes.
• C. hepatitis.
• D. syphilis.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: After receiving a recent tattoo, screening for hepatitis is crucial due to the risk of blood-borne hepatitis B or C if strict sterile procedures are not followed during the tattooing process. Tuberculosis is an airborne pathogen and is not directly related to receiving a tattoo. Herpes and syphilis are infections spread through direct contact, such as sexual contact, and are not typically associated with tattooing.

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

• A. Suctioning a client who requires periodic suctioning
• B. Assessing a client who has undergone an arteriogram and requires close monitoring
• C. Performing colostomy irrigation on a client with an ostomy
• D. Assisting a client who needs frequent ambulation with a walker

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When delegating tasks, a nurse must consider the staff member's education and competency level. Noninvasive tasks like helping a client ambulate with a walker are usually suitable for nursing assistants. Suctioning a client and colostomy irrigation are invasive procedures that require a licensed nurse's skills. Assessing a client post-arteriogram for any complications or changes in condition also necessitates the expertise of a licensed nurse. Therefore, the most appropriate task to assign to a nursing assistant is assisting a client who needs frequent ambulation with a walker.

4. The LPN has been given assignments by the RN. Which assignment should the LPN question as being beyond the scope of the LPN?

• A. The LPN is assigned to care for a client with diabetes mellitus who needs instructions reinforced on how to self-administer insulin.
• B. The LPN is assigned to reinforce discharge teaching about dressing changes and medications to a 35-year-old man.
• C. The LPN is assigned to care for a 75-year-old woman, hospitalized for dehydration, who is being discharged home today with no medications.
• D. The LPN is assigned to care for a woman with newly diagnosed leukemia who will be receiving her initial dose of chemotherapy.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The LPN should be able to recognize when an assignment is beyond their scope of practice. Administering chemotherapy for leukemia is not within the scope of practice for the LPN, and this assignment should be questioned. Choices A, B, and C are within the scope of practice for an LPN. Reinforcing teaching on self-administration of insulin, assisting with discharge instructions on dressing changes, and caring for a client being discharged with no medications are all appropriate tasks for an LPN.

5. All of the following tasks could be delegated to a nursing assistant or unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) except:

• A. monitoring intravenous infusion
• B. assisting a client to the bathroom
• C. offering fluid intake every 1-2 hours
• D. monitoring/recording the amount of fluid taken

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Monitoring an intravenous infusion involves assessing for complications, adjusting the flow rate, and monitoring the client's response, which requires the knowledge and skills of a licensed nurse (RN or LPN). Tasks that can be delegated to nursing assistants or unlicensed assistive personnel include assisting a client to the bathroom, offering fluids, and recording fluid intake. These activities are within the scope of practice for UAPs as they do not involve the specialized knowledge and training needed for intravenous infusion monitoring.

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