Prioritization & delegation worksheet with answers

When is a patient most ready to learn about self-care?

1. AStraight after hearing bad news about a serious new diagnosis
2. BWhile in severe pain, so the lesson feels important
3. CWhen pain is controlled and basic physical needs are met
4. DDuring a period of acute breathlessness

In delegation, what does “right directions and communication” mean?

1. AWriting the task in the patient’s chart only
2. BClear, specific instructions: what to do, when, and what to report back
3. CAsking the delegate to report any unusual findings at the end of the shift
4. DTelling the delegate to use their own judgement

Which finding should a nursing assistant report to the nurse at once?

1. AA pulse of 42/min in a patient whose usual pulse is 76/min
2. BA patient whose weight is unchanged from yesterday
3. CA patient who would like tea instead of coffee
4. DA patient who wants to shower in the evening

On a mixed medical unit, which patient should the nurse see first?

1. AA patient asking for written information about tomorrow’s discharge
2. BA patient with depression who has given away his belongings and has a suicide plan
3. CA patient with a mild tension headache who is asking for acetaminophen
4. DA patient with hypertension whose blood pressure is 136/84 mmHg

A patient taking lisinopril develops swelling of the lips and tongue. What should the nurse do first?

1. AApply a cold pack and recheck in an hour
2. BGive the next dose of lisinopril with water
3. CTell the patient this is a common, harmless effect
4. DAssess the airway and call for urgent help

A patient with diabetes is unresponsive and has a blood glucose of 40 mg/dL (2.2 mmol/L). What should the nurse do first?

1. AWait 15 minutes and recheck the glucose
2. BPour orange juice into the patient’s mouth
3. CGive the scheduled dose of insulin
4. DGive IV dextrose or glucagon as prescribed

A patient with a central venous catheter suddenly becomes breathless, with chest pain and a falling SpO₂, as the line is being removed. What does the nurse do first?

1. AAsk the patient to take slow deep breaths and continue
2. BSit the patient upright and finish removing the line quickly
3. CFlush the catheter with saline to clear any blockage
4. DCover the site, turn onto the left side head down, give oxygen and call for help

A medical-unit nurse is floated to intensive care and given a patient on a ventilator, which the nurse has never managed. What is the best response?

1. ATell the charge nurse about the gap, accept tasks within competence and ask for support
2. BRefuse to work and go home, because the assignment is unsafe
3. CLeave the intensive care unit and go back to the medical unit without telling anyone
4. DAccept the full assignment without comment to avoid conflict