what is the most appropriate action for a nurse to take when a patient refuses a prescribed medication
Logo

Nursing Elites

ATI RN

ATI Capstone Comprehensive Assessment B

1. What is the most appropriate action for a healthcare provider to take when a patient refuses a prescribed medication?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to respect the patient's right to refuse the medication. It is crucial to uphold the patient's autonomy and decision-making capacity when it comes to their treatment. Administering the medication later without the patient's consent (Choice B) disregards their autonomy and can lead to ethical issues. Documenting the refusal and notifying the healthcare provider (Choice A) is important for legal and continuity of care purposes but should come after respecting the patient's decision. While explaining the importance of the medication (Choice C) is valuable for promoting understanding and compliance, the immediate concern should be respecting the patient's refusal.

2. A forensic nurse is using the epidemiological triangle to explain factors that contribute to violent behavior. Which of the following factors should the nurse identify as an environmental factor in the epidemiological triangle?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Crowded living conditions are considered an environmental factor in the epidemiological triangle as they can contribute to the spread of violence. In this context, environmental factors refer to external influences such as social and physical environments. Traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's disease, and impaired coping abilities are not typically classified as environmental factors in the epidemiological triangle. Traumatic brain injury and Alzheimer's disease are more related to individual health conditions, while impaired coping abilities are more focused on individual psychological factors rather than external environmental influences.

3. A healthcare provider is reviewing a client's lab results. Which of the following lab values should the provider report?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Sodium 126 mEq/L. A sodium level of 126 mEq/L is below the normal range, indicating hyponatremia, which can have serious health implications and should be reported to the healthcare provider for further evaluation and intervention. Choices A, B, and D are within or close to the normal ranges for magnesium, potassium, and chloride, respectively, and do not require immediate reporting as they are not significantly abnormal.

4. Which of the following is a critical nursing action when managing a patient with a chest tube?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: "Ensure the chest tube is connected to a closed drainage system." This is a critical nursing action when managing a patient with a chest tube because it is essential for proper drainage and to prevent complications such as air leaks or infections. Option A is incorrect because keeping the chest tube clamped at all times would prevent proper drainage and could lead to complications. Option C is incorrect as emptying the chest tube drainage system should be done based on assessment findings rather than a fixed time interval. Option D is incorrect because disconnecting the chest tube when the patient is ambulating can lead to complications like a pneumothorax.

5. A nurse is preparing to measure a client's level of oxygen saturation and observes edema of both hands and thickened toenails. The nurse should apply the pulse oximeter probe to which of the following locations?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client has edema of both hands and thickened toenails, these conditions can impede accurate readings from the finger and toe locations. The earlobe is the best alternative site for the pulse oximeter probe in this scenario. Placing the probe on the earlobe will help ensure a more accurate measurement of oxygen saturation despite the issues with the hands and toenails. Therefore, the correct answer is to apply the pulse oximeter probe to the earlobe. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because of the potential limitations presented by the edema and thickened toenails.

Similar Questions

What is the most appropriate method for preventing catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs)?
A healthcare provider writes a prescription for a medication dose three times the normal range. What should the nurse do?
A healthcare provider prescribes a higher-than-usual dose of medication. What is the nurse's first action?
A client with a new prescription for levothyroxine is receiving teaching from a nurse. Which statement indicates understanding of the teaching?
A healthcare professional is preparing to administer an intravenous (IV) medication. What action should the healthcare professional take to ensure patient safety?

Access More Features

ATI RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

ATI RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

Other Courses