A practical nurse (PN) is prioritizing care and performing interventions for several clients on a medical-surgical unit. Which of the following actions by the PN demonstrate safe practice and appropriately reduce the risk of client harm? (Select all that apply.)
- Verifying a client's name and date of birth against the medication administration record and scanning the identification wristband before administration.Answer
- Respectfully declining an assignment to formulate the initial nursing care plan for a newly transferred client.Answer
- CPlacing a laboratory report with a serum potassium level of mEq/L ( mmol/L) in the chart to be reviewed during the provider's afternoon rounds.
- DDocumenting a fresh postoperative client's blood pressure of mm Hg and heart rate of beats per minute while continuing routine care.
- EAdministering a scheduled oral analgesic after confirming the client's identity by checking the room number and the name written on the door.
- FDelegating the task of evaluating a client's pain relief after oral analgesic administration to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP).
Answer
The correct actions are verifying identity using two identifiers before medication administration and declining the assignment to create an initial care plan.
Safe practical nursing practice involves strict adherence to medication safety protocols, such as using two unique identifiers, and working within the legal scope of practice, which prohibits the PN from formulating initial care plans.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
The practical nurse must recognize critical clinical changes (such as abnormal lab values and early signs of shock), strictly adhere to medication safety rights, and operate within the defined scope of practice to minimize risks to client safety.