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: Rationale for Correct Answer (C): 1. Safety first: Patient safety is the top priority in healthcare. Vital signs provide crucial information about the patient's condition. 2. Accountability: The nurse is responsible for ensuring accurate vital sign documentation. Asking the NAP to record vital signs before medication administration ensures accountability. 3. Communication: Clear communication between healthcare team members is essential to provide quality care. Asking the NAP to record vital signs promotes effective communication. Summary of Incorrect Choices: A (abnormal vital signs): Administering medications without knowing the patient's vital signs, especially if abnormal, can be dangerous and potentially harmful. B (review upon return): Delaying vital sign assessment until later can lead to missed opportunities for timely intervention if the patient's condition changes. D (omit vital signs): Neglecting vital signs based on assumption risks overlooking potential issues that could impact patient care and outcomes.

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: 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.