1.
A client’s diagnosis of pneumonia requires treatment with antibiotics. The corresponding order in the client’s chart should be written as
Correct Answer
A. Avelox (moxifloxacin) 400 mg daily
Explanation
Ans:
A
Feedback:
Among the JCAHO’s list of “do not use” abbreviations are Q.D., qd, and OD when denoting a once-per-day drug administration. Because of the potential for misinterpretation and consequent drug errors, the JCAHO recommends writing “daily” in the order.
2.
The nurses who provide care in a large, long-term care facility utilize charting by exception (CBE) as the preferred method of documentation. This documentation method may have which of the following drawbacks?
Correct Answer
A. Vulnerability to legal liability since nurse’s safe, routine care is not recorded
Explanation
Ans:
A
Feedback:
A significant drawback to charting by exception is its limited usefulness when trying to prove high-quality safe care in response to a negligence claim made against nursing. CBE is generally less time-consuming than alternate methods of documentation, and both standardization of charting and identification of client-specific problems are possible within this documentation framework.
3.
The nurse managers of a home health care office wish to maximize nurses’ freedom to characterize and record client conditions and situations in the nurses’ own terms. Which of the following documentation formats is most likely to promote this goal?
Correct Answer
A. Narrative notes
Explanation
One of the advantages of a narrative notes model of documentation is that it allows nurses to describe clinical encounters in their own terms, as they understand them. Other documentation formats, such as SOAP notes, focus charting, and charting by exception, are more rigidly delineated and allow nurses less latitude in their documentation.
4.
A hospital utilizes the SOAP method of charting. Within this model, which of the nurse’s following statements would appear at the beginning of a charting entry?
Correct Answer
A. “Client complaining of abdominal pain rated at 8/10.”
Explanation
The SOAP method of charting (Subjective data, Objective data, Assessment, Plan) begins with the information provided by the client, such as a complaint of pain. The nurse’s objective observations and assessments follow, with interventions, actions, and plans later in the charting entry.
5.
What is the nurse’s best defense if a client alleges nursing negligence?
Correct Answer
C. Client’s record
Explanation
The client record is the only permanent legal document that details the nurse’s interactions with the client. It is the best defense if a client or client surrogate alleges nursing negligence.
6.
A nurse is documenting the intensity of a client’s pain. What would be the most accurate entry?
Correct Answer
D. “Client states pain is a 9 on a scale of 1 to 10.”
Explanation
The most accurate entry would be "Client states pain is a 9 on a scale of 1 to 10." This entry provides a specific and quantifiable measure of the client's pain intensity, allowing for a more accurate assessment and comparison over time. The other options provide subjective descriptions of the client's pain but do not provide a clear indication of the intensity level.
7.
Which of the following data entries follows the recommended guidelines for documenting data?
Correct Answer
C. “Following oxygen administration, vital signs returned to baseline.”
Explanation
The nurse should record client findings (observations of behavior) rather than an interpretation of these findings, and avoid words such as “good,” “average,” “normal,” or “sufficient,” which may mean different things to different readers.
8.
Alice Jones, a registered nurse, is documenting assessments at the beginning of her shift. How should she sign the entry?
Correct Answer
C. A. Jones, RN
Explanation
Each entry is signed with the first initial, last name, and title. In this case, A. Jones, RN, is correct.
9.
A student has reviewed a client’s chart before beginning assigned care. Which of the following actions violates client confidentiality?
Correct Answer
A. Writing the client’s name on the student care plan
Explanation
Students using client records are bound professionally and ethically to keep in strict confidence all the information they learn from those records. The student may discuss care with the instructor, medications with a staff nurse, and laboratory data with the physician. The student should not use actual client names or other identifiers in written assignments or oral reports.
10.
A physician’s order reads “up ad lib.” What does this mean in terms of client activity?
Correct Answer
B. May be up as desired
Explanation
The phrase "up ad lib" means that the client is allowed to be up and engage in activities as desired. This indicates that there are no restrictions on their activity level and they are free to move around and participate in any activities they choose.
11.
In what type of documentation method would a nurse document narrative notes in a nursing section?
Correct Answer
B. Source-oriented record
Explanation
A source-oriented record is a type of documentation method where a nurse would document narrative notes in a nursing section. In this method, the nurse organizes the patient's medical information according to its source, such as separate sections for nursing notes, physician notes, laboratory reports, etc. This allows for easy retrieval of information by different healthcare professionals involved in the patient's care.
12.
Which one of the following methods of documentation is organized around client diagnoses rather than around patient information?
Correct Answer
A. Problem-oriented medical record (POMR)
Explanation
The POMR is organized around a client’s problems rather than around sources of information. With POMRs, all health care professionals record information on the same forms. The advantages of this type of record are that the entire health care team works together in identifying a master list of client problems and contributes collaboratively to the plan of care.
13.
A nurse organizes client data using the SOAP format. Which of the following would be recorded under “S” of this acronym?
Correct Answer
A. Client complaints of pain
Explanation
The SOAP format (subjective data, objective data, Assessment [the caregiver’s judgment about the situation], plan) is used to organize data entries in the progress notes of the POMR. A client complaint of pain is subjective data (S).
14.
Which of the following methods of documenting client data is least likely to hold up in court if a case of negligence is brought against a nurse?
Correct Answer
B. Charting by exception
Explanation
Charting by exception is least likely to hold up in court if a case of negligence is brought against a nurse. This method involves documenting only significant findings or exceptions to the normal condition of the client. It does not provide a comprehensive record of the client's condition and the care provided. In a legal case, a thorough and detailed documentation is essential to prove that the nurse provided appropriate care and followed established protocols. Charting by exception may be seen as insufficient evidence of the nurse's actions and decision-making, which could weaken their defense in court.
15.
A nurse has access to computerized standardized plans of care. After printing one for a client, what must be done next?
Correct Answer
C. Individualize it to the specific client.
Explanation
Standardized care plans that identify common problems and needs with relation to select client cohorts may be used. Unless such care plans are individualized to a specific client, however, they may not address individual client needs.
16.
What part of the client’s record is commonly used to document specific client variables, such as vital signs?
Correct Answer
D. GrapHic record
Explanation
The graphic record is a form used to document specific client variables such as vital signs, weight, intake and output, and bowel movements.
17.
A nurse is documenting information about a client in a long-term care facility. What is used in a Medicare-certified facility as a comprehensive assessment and as the foundation for the Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI)?
Correct Answer
B. Minimum data set
Explanation
Long-term care documentation is specified by the RAI with the minimum data set forming the foundation for the assessment. This is required in all facilities certified to participate in Medicare or Medicaid. OASIS is used in the home health care industry
18.
What is the primary purpose of an incident report?
Correct Answer
A. Means of identifying risks
Explanation
An incident report, also termed a variance or occurrence report, is a tool used by health care agencies to document the occurrence of anything out of the ordinary that results in, or has the potential to result in, harm to a client, employee, or visitor. Incident reports should not be used for disciplinary action against staff members.
19.
A group of nurses visits selected clients individually at the beginning of each shift. What are these procedures called?
Correct Answer
D. Nursing care rounds
Explanation
Feedback:
Nursing care rounds are procedures in which a group of nurses visits select clients individually at each client’s bedside. The primary purposes are to gather information to help plan and evaluate nursing care and to provide the client with an opportunity to discuss care.
20.
A nurse uses informatics to plan nursing care for a client. Which three terms best describes this science as it is applied to nursing?
Correct Answer
A. Data, information, knowledge
Explanation
According to the ANA Scope and Standards of Nursing Informatics Practice, nursing informatics is a specialty that integrates nursing science, computer science, and information science to manage and communicate data, information, and knowledge in nursing practice. Nursing informatics facilitates the integration of data, information, and knowledge to support clients, nurses, and other providers in their decision making in all roles and settings. This support is accomplished through the use of information structures, information processes, and information technology (ANA, 2001, p. vii).
21.
A client complains to the nurse-in-charge about another nurse on night shift. The client says that he kept calling the nurse but she never responded. Further, when he questioned the nurse, she said that she had other patients to take care of. The nurse-in-charge is aware that the client can be very demanding. What is an appropriate response for the nurse?
Correct Answer
B. “It’s hard to be in bed and ask for help. You ring for a nurse who never seems to help.”
Explanation
The nurse should empathize with the client to perceive how the client is feeling. The nurse shares his or her perception with the client, which makes him comfortable to share his anxieties, fear, and concerns. The first response conveys pity on the client, which is inappropriate. In the third response, the nurse is taking the side of the nursing staff and the client may not like it. The fourth response is nontherapeutic.
22.
A nurse at a health care facility has just reported for duty. Which of the following should the nurse do to ensure maximum efficiency of change-of-shift reports?
Correct Answer
D. Come prepared with material required to take notes.
Explanation
The nurse should come prepared with material required to take notes during the change-of-shift reports. The nurse should not delay the meeting for change-of-shift report by paying courtesy calls to staff members before attending the meeting. Change-of-shift reports are not conducted in the presence of physicians, thus the nurse does not need to wait for the physicians to arrive before exchanging notes. The nurse should ask questions related to the medical record if any information is unclear.
23.
A nurse is manually documenting information related to a client’s condition. When documenting this information, the nurse makes an error on the manual record sheet. Which is the best technique for recording the error made in documentation?
Correct Answer
D. Cross out the incorrect statement with a single line.
Explanation
When recording an error in documentation, the nurse should always cross out the incorrect statement with a single line so that it remains readable, add the date, initial, and then document the correct information. The nurse should not erase the incorrect statement and replace it with the correct one, nor cross out the wrong statement in a way that makes the statement unreadable, nor use correction fluid to obliterate what has been written. These methods render the medical record a poor legal defense.
24.
A nurse caring for a client who is being treated by three physicians uses the source-oriented format for documentation. What are the benefits of using this format of documentation?
Correct Answer
A. Information is documented in separate forms by each health care personnel.
Explanation
Source-oriented documentation is a record organized according to the source of documented information. This type of record contains separate forms on which health care personnel make written entries about their own specific activities in relation to the client’s care. The problem-oriented method of recording demonstrates a unified, cooperative approach to resolving the client’s problems. Source-oriented records are organized at numerous locations; there is not one location for information. The problem-oriented record is compiled to facilitate communication among health care professionals.
25.
A newly hired nurse is participating in the orientation program for the health care facility. Part of the orientation focuses on the use of the SOAP (subjective, objective, assessment, and plan) method for documentation, which the facility uses. The nurse demonstrates understanding of this method by identifying which of the following as the first step?
Correct Answer
C. Problem selected
Explanation
The SOAP method begins by selecting a problem from a list. PIE (problems, interventions, and evaluation) notes incorporate the plan of care into the progress notes. Focus DAR notes organizes entries by data, action, and response. The narrative notes are used to record relevant client and nursing activities throughout a shift
26.
A nurse is documenting client information using PIE charting. Which information would the nurse expect to document?
Correct Answer
B. Intervention carried out
Explanation
In the PIE notes, the nurse documents the problem, intervention and evaluation. Thus the nurse would document the intervention carried out. Client assessment is not a part of the PIE notes, because this information is recorded on flow sheets for each shift. Although the PIE system uses a nursing plan-of-care format, there is no written plan of care. The PIE system is not multidisciplinary; it provides a documentation system for nursing only.
27.
What activity in charting will assist most in the avoidance of errors?
Correct Answer
D. Timeliness
Explanation
Documentation in a timely manner can help avoid errors.
28.
A nurse in a nursing home is writing a note that addresses the care a resident has received during the day and the resident’s response to care. What type of note does this represent?
Correct Answer
C. Narrative note
Explanation
A narrative note in a skilled nursing facility might include the type of morning care, nutritional intake, client activity pattern, and comfort measures provided, along with the client’s response.
29.
Which of the following abbreviations is on the list of the Joint Commission do not use abbreviations? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer(s)
A. U (unit)
B. QD (daily)
E. > (greater than)
Explanation
The words “unit”, “daily”, “greater than” and “less than” should be spelled out. NPO, mL, and mcg are acceptable abbreviations.
30.
Which of the following are examples of incidental disclosures of client health information that are permitted? Select all that apply
Correct Answer(s)
A. A nurse working in a pHysician’s office puts out a sign-in sheet for incoming clients.
B. Two nurses are overheard talking about a client through the door of an empty client room.
E. A nurse calls out the name of a client who is seated in the waiting room
Explanation
Permitted incidental disclosures of PHI include using sign-in sheets without the reason for visit; the possibility of a conversation being overheard if measures are taken to be private; placing a client chart on the door with the face pages facing inward; placing an x-ray on a light board as long as it is not unattended; calling the name of a waiting patient; and leaving appointment reminders on answering machines (provided only a minimal amount of information is given).
31.
Which of the following are examples of breaches of client confidentiality? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer(s)
A. A nurse discusses a client with a coworker in the elevator.
B. A nurse shares her computer password with a relative of a client.
D. A nurse updates the employer of a client regarding the client’s return to work.
Explanation
Nurses may use computers to document client data as long as they are not in a public area, and as long as the computer is shut down following the entries. A nurse can also check the medical record for a relative to call in case of an emergency. All the other examples are violations of client confidentiality.
32.
In which of the following cases should a progress note be written? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer(s)
B. When admitting a client
C. When receiving a client post operatively
E. When a procedure is performed
Explanation
A progress note should be written in the following instances: upon admission, transfer to another unit, and discharge; when a procedure is performed; upon receiving a client postoperatively or postprocedure; upon communicating with physicians regarding critical client information (e.g., abnormal lab value result); or for any change in client status.
33.
A nurse realizes that the dosage of the medication administered to the client has been entered incorrectly into the client records. Which of the following would be most appropriate for the nurse to do?
Correct Answer
C. Strike out the entry with a single line, place initials next to it, and write the correct entry.
Explanation
The nurse should strike out the erroneous entry with a single line and place initials over it. When an error occurs, erasure or use of correction fluid is not permissible. Use of highlighters is not allowed and can draw attention to the erroneous documentation.
34.
The nurse notes that the blood glucose level of a client has increased and is planning to notify the health care provider by telephone. Which of the following techniques would be most appropriate for the nurse to use when communicating with the health care provider?
Correct Answer
A. ISBAR
Explanation
The nurse should use ISBAR to communicate verbally to the health care provider. Identify/Introduction, Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation (ISBAR) is the communication tool to provide critical client information to the health care provider. EMAR is Electronic Medication Administration Record, which documents medication administration. SOAP is Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan, which is a progress note that relates to only one health problem. CBE is Charting by Exception and permits the nurse to document only those findings that fall outside the standard of care and norms that have been developed by the institution.
35.
The nurse is reviewing a client’s chart. When reading the history, physical, and physician progress notes, the nurse anticipates finding which of the following?
Correct Answer
A. The pHysician’s assessment and treatment
Explanation
The medical history, physical examination, and progress notes record the findings of physicians as they assess and treat the client. They focus on identifying pathologic conditions and their causes, as well as determining the medical regimen for treatment.
36.
The nurse should utilize ISBARR communication (Introduction, Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation, Read Back) during which of the following clinical situations?
Correct Answer
A. When communicating a client’s change in condition to the client’s pHysician
Explanation
ISBARR communication is an increasingly common tool for interdisciplinary communication. It is not typically used during change-of-shift report nor when communicating with family members. ISBARR is considered a framework for communication rather than a format for documentation.