What is the nurse's best proof against malpractice?
a. The nurse supervisor's memory of the event
b. Recorded documentation written carelessly
c. The nurse's memory of the event
d. Recorded documentation of nursing care
D
Documentation of nursing care is the only record of what actually was done for a patient and will serve as proof that a nurse acted reasonably and safely. Nursing notes written at the time of the event, are seen as better evidence of the facts of the event than any one person's memory. Nurses' notes written carelessly and without regard to detail or hospital standards of documentation do not reflect well on the health care provider's credibility or appearance of accountability to a judge or jury.
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When examining an older adult, the nurse should use which technique?
a. Avoid touching the patient too much. b. Attempt to perform the entire physical examination during one visit. c. Speak loudly and slowly because most aging adults have hearing deficits. d. Arrange the sequence of the examination to allow as few position changes as possible.
The nurse instructs a preadolescent child with type 1 diabetes mellitus how to self-administer an injection of short-acting and long-acting insulin. Which observation indicates to the nurse that teaching has been successful?
A) Administers the insulin intramuscularly B) Wipes off the needle with an alcohol swab C) Administers the insulin at a 30-degree angle D) Draws up the short-acting insulin into the syringe first
A patient is to receive medication through a nasogastric tube. What is the most important nursing action to ensure effective absorption?
a. Thoroughly shake the medication before administering. b. After all medications are administered, flush tube with 15 to 30 mL of water. c. Position patient in the supine position for 30 minutes. d. Clamp suction for 30 to 60 minutes after medication administration.
A nurse must collect a stool specimen from a client. Among the supplies and equipment
the nurse keeps ready for the procedure are wooden tongue blades. What is the purpose of these blades? A) To collect stool specimen that is free of urine B) To transfer a portion of the feces to the container C) To prevent contamination of the stool specimen D) To scoop out a stool sample from the client's rectum