Author Question: The nursing student observes that his client has no relief from his pain after receiving the ... (Read 101 times)

nautica902 · **on:** Jul 17, 2018

The nursing student observes that his client has no relief from his pain after receiving the intravenous pain medication administered by the staff Registered Nurse (RN). The RN takes frequent breaks using the restroom and has constricted pupils.

The nursing student noted that he saw an empty syringe in the staff restroom. Using the problem-solving process, the next best action to take is to:
A) report the observations to his clinical instructor and follow the chain of command to report the issue within the institution according to the institution's policy.
B) gather as many facts about the incident as possible: what additional symptoms of narcotic use does the RN exhibit, do other clients she is caring report they are in pain, and are there multiple occasions of wasting narcotics by the RN?
C) examine alternative reasons for the findings, such as the RN is in bright light constricting her eyes, and the syringe used to administer the medicine to the client had Morphine on the label and the one in the trash was a regular unmarked syringe.
D) evaluate the consequences of the action the nurse has takenclient's safety is protected, and the affected chemically dependent nurse may receive the help she needs.

Question 2

The nursing student is juggling nursing school, work, and family-related obligations. She reports frequent tension headaches and fatigue related to multiple bouts of insomnia and decreased appetite.

She stated she skips meals and does not exercise nor does use relaxation techniques. The nursing student has avoided attending postclinical conferences stating that the instructor has a different view about her clinical performance than she holds. She puts off completing assignments. She assessed her stress index several times in the past weeks and noted no change in her symptoms or score. Which action is the best next step for this nursing student?
A) Assess the stress index to determine if a stress-relieving intervention decreased the score
B) Self-refer to the school counselor for help
C) Discuss with her instructor ways to improve her clinical performance
D) Stick to her schedule and complete assignments on time

coyin · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 17, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Ans: B
Feedback:
Using the problem-solving process, the nursing student needs to gather additional information about the incident, such as what additional symptoms of narcotic use does the RN exhibit, do other clients she is caring report they are in pain, and are there multiple occasions of wasting narcotics by the RN. Next, the student needs to examine alternative reasons for the findings. Next, the responsible action to take is to report the observations to the clinical instructor and follow the chain of command to report the issue, according to policy. The last measure is to evaluate the consequences of the action.

Answer to Question 2

Ans: B
Feedback:
The nursing student is experiencing a high level of stress, making her vulnerable to stress-related symptoms. The next best action is to seek professional counseling to make changes in her life to decrease the level of stress. The student has reported not exercising, resting, or using known relaxation techniques. The counselor could provide other stress-relieving interventions, examine her schedule, and help her to balance nursing school, work, and family. After using a stress reduction intervention, she could measure her stress index and compare the score with previous scores. Although discussing with her instructor ways how to improve her clinical performance, sticking to her schedule, and completing assignments on time are needed, they are not the next action warranted in this situation because the student is under extreme stress.