Prioritization & delegation worksheet with answers

Which statement about pulse oximetry is correct?

1. AIt shows the patient’s blood glucose
2. BCold fingers or nail polish can give an inaccurate reading
3. CThe reading is always correct, whatever finger or hand is used
4. DIt measures the carbon dioxide in the blood

Which fasting blood glucose value is normal for an adult without diabetes?

1. A210 mg/dL (11.7 mmol/L)
2. B55 mg/dL (3.1 mmol/L)
3. C85 mg/dL (4.7 mmol/L)
4. D145 mg/dL (8.0 mmol/L)

After chemotherapy, a patient has a very low neutrophil count. Which risk is the nursing priority?

1. AHypertension
2. BBleeding
3. CInfection
4. DDehydration

A drowsy patient has an arterial blood gas with pH 7.30, PaCO₂ 58 mmHg (7.7 kPa) and HCO₃⁻ 25 mEq/L (mmol/L). Which problem is the priority?

1. AHyperventilation caused by anxiety
2. BLoss of bicarbonate from the bowel through severe diarrhea
3. CPoor ventilation causing carbon dioxide to build up
4. DToo much bicarbonate from antacids

Before accessing a central venous catheter, what should the nurse do to prevent infection?

1. ATouch the hub to check it is clean
2. BBlow on the hub to remove any dust before connecting the syringe or line
3. CScrub the hub with an antiseptic such as chlorhexidine and let it dry
4. DRinse the hub with tap water and dry it

An older patient becomes confused over a few hours, with attention that comes and goes. What does this suggest?

1. AA personality change that is permanent and expected
2. BDelirium, which needs the cause found quickly
3. CLong-standing dementia that is expected
4. DNormal aging that needs no action

An 85-year-old resident becomes newly confused and is falling, but has no fever. Which cause should the nurse consider first?

1. AAn infection, such as a urinary tract infection, presenting atypically
2. BA sudden worsening of long-standing dementia that needs no tests
3. CBoredom from not having enough activities
4. DNormal aging that needs no assessment

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

1. AA patient taking digoxin with a pulse of 48/min, nausea and a potassium of 3.0 mEq/L
2. BA patient who has been asked to fast before a scan tomorrow
3. CA patient with heart failure who has gained 0.3 kg since yesterday
4. DA patient with atrial fibrillation whose heart rate is 88/min and irregular, as before