Prioritization & delegation worksheet with answers

Which task can the RN usually assign to an LPN/LVN?

1. ADoing the admission assessment of a new patient
2. BTriaging a new arrival in the emergency department
3. CChanging the dressing on a stable, healing wound
4. DWriting the patient’s initial plan of care

In a three-level triage system, a patient with a twisted ankle, normal vital signs and mild pain is usually classified as:

1. AExpectant
2. BUrgent
3. CEmergent
4. DNon-urgent

What should the nurse try before using physical restraints on a confused patient?

1. AAsking the family to bring restraints from home
2. BLess restrictive measures, such as more frequent checks or a bed alarm
3. CUsing restraints at once and removing them later if they turn out not to be needed
4. DRestraining all four limbs to be fully safe

A patient asks the nursing assistant about the side effects of a new medication. What should the assistant do?

1. ASay the nurse will come to answer, and tell the nurse
2. BLook the drug up online and read out what it says
3. CReassure the patient that side effects are rare
4. DExplain the side effects listed in the drug’s patient leaflet

A patient with a head injury is being monitored. Which set of findings suggests rising intracranial pressure?

1. AFalling blood pressure, a fast pulse and warm, flushed dry skin
2. BNormal blood pressure, normal pulse and clear speech
3. CLow temperature, fast breathing and a strong appetite
4. DRising systolic pressure, slow pulse and irregular breathing

A patient on a medical unit tells the nurse he has a plan to end his life and has saved tablets at home. What is the priority action?

1. AArrange a psychiatry appointment for next week
2. BReassure him that things usually look better in the morning after some sleep
3. CAsk him to promise he will not harm himself
4. DEnsure constant observation and remove anything he could use to harm himself

A patient with anorexia nervosa is admitted. Which finding is the priority?

1. ARefuses to eat in front of other people
2. BHeart rate 38/min and potassium 2.8 mEq/L
3. CHas fine, downy hair on her arms
4. DSays she feels fat although she is very thin

After cardiac surgery, a patient becomes hypotensive with distended neck veins and muffled heart sounds, and chest drain output has suddenly stopped. What should the nurse suspect?

1. ACardiac tamponade
2. BA blocked urinary catheter
3. CHypovolemic shock from dehydration
4. DLeft-sided heart failure