The nurse on third shift is handing off clients to the nurse on first shift. Which key element is most important for the third shift nurse to report during this handoff?

Question

A) The nurse reports, "The client in room 312 continues to complain about a headache unrelieved by pain medication. I am awaiting a call from the physician for orders."
B) The nurse reports on the clients in no apparent order of acuity or room number.
C) The nurse reports, "The client in room 315 received an enema at 2100."
D) The nurse reports, "The client in room 311 was transferred from 212."

Answer 1

Answer: A

Change-of-shift reports may be written or given orally, either in a face-to-face exchange or by audiotape recording. The face-to-face report permits the listener to ask questions during the report; written and tape-recorded reports are often briefer and less time consuming. Reports are sometimes given at the bedside, and clients as well as nurses may participate in the exchange of information. Key elements of the change-of-shift report include: follow a particular order; provide basic identifying information for each client; provide a reason of admission for new and transferred clients, as well as a summary; include significant changes in a client's condition; provide exact information; report need for special emotional support; include current nurse or primary care provider-prescribed orders; and state clear and concise priorities of care and background information.