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: The correct answer is C because it is essential for the nurse to ensure accurate and up-to-date vital signs before administering medications. By asking the NAP to record the patient's vital signs, the nurse can make informed decisions about the patient's condition and prevent any potential complications. Choice A is incorrect because administering medications without knowing the patient's vital signs, particularly if they are abnormal, can be dangerous. Choice B is not the best course of action as it delays the crucial step of obtaining the vital signs. Choice D is incorrect as omitting vital signs without assessment could compromise patient safety. Therefore, choice C is the most appropriate response to ensure patient well-being and medication safety.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The nurse should ask the NAP to record the patient's vital signs before administering medications. This is important for ensuring patient safety and monitoring any potential changes in the patient's condition. By having the NAP record the vital signs, the nurse can assess the patient's current status and make informed decisions regarding medication administration. Option A is incorrect because administering medications without knowing the patient's vital signs, especially if they are abnormal, can be risky. Option B is not the best choice as it delays addressing the missing vital signs. Option D is incorrect as omitting vital signs assessment is not in line with best practices for 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.