Prioritization & delegation worksheet with answers

Which adult finding should the nurse act on first?

1. AHeart rate 98/min
2. BBlood pressure 138/88 mmHg and fully alert
3. CTemperature 37.8 °C (100 °F)
4. DRespiratory rate 8/min and drowsy

Which single action is the most effective way to prevent the spread of infection in hospital?

1. AWearing a mask all day
2. BHand hygiene
3. CGiving every patient antibiotics
4. DKeeping the windows closed

Which teaching activity belongs to the registered nurse rather than the LPN/LVN?

1. AHanding out a leaflet the RN has already explained
2. BFirst teaching about a new diagnosis and its treatment
3. CReminding a patient to use the incentive spirometer hourly
4. DReinforcing teaching the RN has already given

A patient is receiving a blood transfusion. Which task can the nurse delegate to a nursing assistant?

1. AStarting the transfusion once the blood arrives
2. BDeciding whether to stop the transfusion if the patient has chills
3. CMeasuring and reporting vital signs at the times set by the nurse
4. DAssessing the patient for signs of a transfusion reaction

A patient receiving an aminoglycoside antibiotic, such as gentamicin, reports ringing in the ears. What should the nurse do?

1. AAdvise the patient to use ear drops
2. BReassure the patient that it is a normal effect
3. CHold the next dose and report it promptly
4. DGive the next dose early to finish the course

During an IV vancomycin infusion, a patient develops flushing and itching of the face and neck. What should the nurse do first?

1. AApply a warm compress to the face and neck
2. BIgnore it, because flushing is always harmless and passes
3. CStop or slow the infusion and inform the provider
4. DSpeed up the infusion to finish it quickly

A patient with known abdominal aortic aneurysm suddenly has severe back pain, a pulsing mass in the abdomen and a falling blood pressure. What should the nurse do?

1. AEncourage the patient to walk to ease the back pain
2. BPalpate the mass firmly to check its size and spread
3. CCall for emergency help at once and prepare for urgent surgery
4. DGive an oral analgesic and reassess the patient in about one hour

In a disaster with very limited resources, a victim with severe burns over almost the whole body is tagged black. Which principle explains this decision?

1. ATreating the youngest victims first
2. BTreating victims in the order in which they arrive
3. CDoing the greatest good for the greatest number
4. DTreating the most severely injured person first