Prioritization & delegation worksheet with answers

For a patient with a suspected heart attack and no contraindications, which drug is usually given early?

1. ACodeine
2. BIbuprofen
3. CAspirin, chewed
4. DAcetaminophen (paracetamol)

All else being equal, which problem usually takes priority?

1. AA long-standing chronic problem, because it affects more of the patient’s life
2. BA new, acute problem
3. CThe problem that takes the least time to fix
4. DThe problem the family is most worried about

In the United States, which law sets out the scope of nursing practice in each state?

1. AThe hospital’s visitor policy
2. BThe federal tax code
3. CThe Food and Drug Administration rules
4. DThe state Nurse Practice Act

A patient has a sudden nosebleed, is alert and is breathing normally. What does the nurse do first?

1. ALie the patient flat on their back with a pillow under the knees
2. BSit the patient up, lean them forward and pinch the soft part of the nose
3. CTilt the head back and apply ice to the back of the neck
4. DAsk the patient to blow the nose hard to clear the clots

Which task is most appropriate for the RN to delegate to an LPN/LVN?

1. ADoing the admission assessment of a new patient
2. BGiving discharge teaching to a patient newly started on insulin
3. CInserting an indwelling urinary catheter in a stable patient
4. DStarting the first unit of red blood cells

A patient is receiving continuous tube feeds. Which action best reduces the risk of aspiration?

1. ATurn the feed off only while the patient is asleep at night
2. BIncrease the feed rate so the stomach empties sooner
3. CLay the patient flat for an hour after each bag is hung
4. DKeep the head of the bed raised to at least 30 degrees

Which finding most suggests a tension pneumothorax rather than a simple pneumothorax?

1. ASharp chest pain that is worse on deep breathing
2. BA small air leak seen on a routine chest X-ray
3. CMild breathlessness with reduced breath sounds on one side of the chest only
4. DTrachea shifted away from the affected side, with low blood pressure

A patient with suspected sepsis has four prescribed orders. Which should usually be done first?

1. AArrange a chest X-ray for later today
2. BRepeat the lactate in six hours
3. CGive the IV antibiotic
4. DTake blood cultures