After reviewing the database, the nurse discovers that the patient’s vital signs have not been recorded by the nursing assistive personnel (NAP). Which clinical decision should the nurse make? Administer scheduled medications assuming that the NAP would have reported

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Step 1: Safety First - The nurse's priority is patient safety. Without vital signs, medication administration can be unsafe. Step 2: Accountability - The nurse must ensure accurate and timely vital signs recording before making clinical decisions. Step 3: Delegation - Asking the NAP to record vital signs aligns with their role and helps maintain a reliable record. Step 4: Proactive Approach - By having the NAP record vital signs, the nurse can make informed decisions based on accurate data. Summary: A: Incorrect - Proceeding with medications without vital signs can risk patient safety. B: Incorrect - Waiting to review vital signs later can delay necessary interventions. D: Incorrect - Omitting vital signs is negligent and compromises patient care.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Acute pain. NANDA-I (North American Nursing Diagnosis Association International) approves standardized nursing diagnoses to guide nursing care. Acute pain is a NANDA-I approved diagnosis as it helps identify and address a patient's pain experience. It is specific, measurable, and relevant for care planning. Sore throat (A) is a symptom, not a diagnosis. Sleep apnea (C) and heart failure (D) are medical conditions, not nursing diagnoses. The focus of nursing care plans is on identifying patient responses to health conditions, which is why acute pain is the most appropriate choice.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: 1. Safety: Recording vital signs is crucial for patient safety. 2. Accountability: The nurse is ultimately responsible for ensuring vital signs are documented accurately. 3. Communication: It is essential for the nurse to communicate with the NAP to address the missed vital signs. 4. Corrective Action: Asking the NAP to record vital signs before administering medications ensures proper monitoring. 5. Patient-Centered Care: Prioritizing patient well-being by ensuring vital signs are up-to-date. Summary: A: Incorrect. Administering medications without vital sign assessment is unsafe. B: Incorrect. Reviewing vital signs upon return does not address the immediate need for accurate documentation. D: Incorrect. Omitting vital signs compromises patient safety and violates standard nursing practice.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Acute pain. The rationale is that NANDA-I (North American Nursing Diagnosis Association-International) approves nursing diagnoses that are specific, measurable, and relevant to nursing care. Acute pain fits these criteria as it is a common nursing diagnosis that can be assessed objectively and treated with nursing interventions. The other choices (sore throat, sleep apnea, heart failure) are medical diagnoses that do not fall under the scope of nursing diagnoses approved by NANDA-I. Therefore, acute pain is the most appropriate diagnosis to be documented in a patient's care plan according to NANDA-I guidelines.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale for Choice C: 1. Safety First: Recording vital signs is crucial for patient safety. Asking the NAP to record vital signs ensures the patient's condition is monitored before administering medications. 2. Accountability: Nurses are responsible for ensuring accurate documentation of vital signs. Asking the NAP to record them maintains accountability within the healthcare team. 3. Communication: By requesting the NAP to record vital signs, the nurse fosters effective communication and collaboration in patient care. Summary of Other Choices: A: Administering medications without reviewing vital signs could lead to adverse effects if there are abnormalities. B: Reviewing vital signs upon return delays immediate action and could jeopardize patient safety. D: Omitting vital signs neglects the essential monitoring required for patient care and could result in missed opportunities for early intervention.