Prioritization & delegation worksheet with answers

A nursing assistant reports four findings. Which one should the nurse check first?

1. AA patient who wants to phone a relative
2. BA patient who asks for another blanket
3. CA patient who suddenly cannot move their right arm
4. DA patient whose breakfast tray is not finished

In which situation can a pulse oximeter give a falsely normal reading?

1. AA warm, well-perfused finger
2. BA healthy adult at rest
3. CA patient breathing room air normally
4. DCarbon monoxide poisoning

Using the rule of nines, what percentage of body surface does one whole arm represent in an adult?

1. A18%
2. B36%
3. C1%
4. D9%

On a pediatric unit, which child does the nurse assess first?

1. AA child with asthma who is now quiet with very little air movement
2. BA child with croup who has a barking cough but no stridor at rest
3. CA child in a new arm cast with pink, warm fingers and pain of 5/10
4. DA child with a temperature of 38.2 °C after vaccination

A nurse has called the rapid response team for a deteriorating patient. What should the nurse do while waiting for the team?

1. AStay with the patient, give oxygen as prescribed and have recent vital signs ready
2. BGo to the station to finish documentation for other patients
3. CLeave the patient for a few minutes to find the relatives and explain what is happening
4. DGive a dose of every as-needed medication on the chart

An older patient with dementia is restless at night and keeps trying to get out of bed. Which measure should the nurse try first?

1. ARaise all four bed rails so the patient cannot climb out
2. BGive a sedative from the as-needed list without first assessing the patient
3. CCheck for pain, thirst or a full bladder, and offer toileting
4. DApply wrist restraints for the rest of the night

A patient is receiving IV potassium chloride through a peripheral line and complains of burning at the site, which looks red. What does the nurse do first?

1. AIncrease the infusion rate to finish the dose sooner
2. BTell the patient that burning is expected and continue
3. CApply a warm pack and continue the infusion
4. DStop the infusion and assess the IV site

At 08:00 a nurse has four tasks. Which order is best?

1. AGive insulin with breakfast, update care plans, check the patient with a falling SpO₂, give routine medications
2. BGive routine medications, check the patient with a falling SpO₂, update care plans, give insulin with breakfast
3. CCheck the patient with a falling SpO₂, give insulin with breakfast, give routine medications, update care plans
4. DUpdate care plans, give insulin with breakfast, give routine medications, check the patient with a falling SpO₂