In a rural hospital, the unit for which you are charge nurse has a particularly busy morning. A 52-year-old patient is complaining of left-sided chest pain and a multiparous patient is about to deliver. A child with asthma is experiencing early signs of an attack. The other RN on the unit is a recent graduate who has not yet been orientated to the labor room and has limited cardiac nursing experience. An unregulated assistant is also available. You must decide which patient situation you will take and where the RN's skills can best be used. Given the limitations in skills and experience, number of staff available, and time constraints, you must make a decision that involves:

A patient who has been transported to the emergency room after a motor vehicle accident is experiencing ventricular asystole. Management of ventricular asystole focuses on :

A) Continuous defibrillation until an electrical rhythm is obtained B) High-quality CPR with minimal interruptions C) Cessation at resuscitation attempts after 2 minutes D) Administration of medications until an electrical rhythm is obtained

With shortened hospital stays, new mothers are often discharged before they begin to experience symptoms of the baby blues or postpartum depression

As part of the discharge teaching, the nurse can prepare the mother for this adjustment to her new role by instructing her regarding self-care activities to help prevent postpartum depression. The most accurate statement as related to these activities is to a. Stay home and avoid outside activities to ensure adequate rest. b. Be certain that you are the only caregiver for your baby in order to facilitate infant attachment. c. Keep feelings of sadness and adjustment to your new role to yourself. d. Realize that this is a common occurrence that affects many women.

The mother of a child with a viral infection is demanding that you give the child an antibiotic to treat the infection. The best response to a request of this type would be to say:

1. "Please remain patient. I will ask the doctor to write you a prescription." 2. "Antibiotics would not be effective against a viral infection." 3. "I cannot suggest antibiotics unless the child's fever exceeds 102°F." 4. "A virus is caused by a microorganism and must be treated with anthelmintics."

A woman has undergone fine needle biopsy of a breast lump. Which statement would the nurse evaluate as indicating that the patient understands discharge teaching?

1. "Even if this lump was cancer, it is all gone now.". 2. "I will massage my breast twice daily for the next week.". 3. "I can go back to work today if I wish.". 4. "There is no risk of infection with this procedure.".