Prioritization & delegation worksheet with answers

Which three things does START triage check in a non-walking adult?

1. ARespirations, perfusion and mental status
2. BPulse, blood pressure and body temperature
3. CPain score, mobility and age
4. DAirway, blood glucose and pupils

What does a root cause analysis look for after a serious event?

1. AHow much the event cost the hospital
2. BThe underlying system causes of the event
3. CThe single staff member who should be blamed
4. DWhich patient made the complaint

What is a “critical value” in laboratory testing?

1. AA result that the patient has asked to see
2. BA result that may be life-threatening and must be reported at once
3. CA result that is slightly outside the normal range and can wait for the ward round
4. DA result that is needed only for research

A cardiac monitor shows a flat line (asystole) for a patient, but the patient is sitting up and talking. What does the nurse do first?

1. ACall the cardiac arrest team
2. BCheck the patient and the electrode leads
3. CStart chest compressions at once
4. DPrepare the defibrillator to deliver a shock

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. BLeave the patient for a few minutes to find the relatives and explain what is happening
3. CGive a dose of every as-needed medication on the chart
4. DGo to the station to finish documentation for other patients

An older patient who has been constipated for days now has small amounts of liquid stool leaking. What should the nurse suspect?

1. AA new bowel infection that has caused the diarrhea
2. BThe constipation has fully resolved
3. CFecal impaction with liquid stool passing around it
4. DA side effect of drinking too much water

A patient in acute mania paces constantly, has lost weight and will not sit down to eat. Which intervention is most helpful?

1. ALeave meals in the room and let the patient eat whenever and whatever they choose
2. BWait until the mania settles before worrying about nutrition
3. COffer high-calorie finger foods and drinks the patient can take while moving
4. DInsist that the patient sits at the table until the meal is finished

A patient had sudden difficulty speaking 45 minutes ago. Which action has the highest priority?

1. AWait until the neurologist can assess the patient on the morning ward round
2. BActivate the stroke team for urgent imaging, noting when last known well
3. CGive water so the patient can take the usual morning medicines
4. DGive aspirin by mouth straight away to limit the clot