Question

A patient's condition is slowly deteriorating. What actions should the nurse take to provide the best care possible?

a. Allow the nursing student to receive verbal orders from the physician in the room while the nurse is in the medication area down the hall.
b. Document the patient's status changes in the medical record in a timely manner.
c. Document that the health care provider has been notified of the specific patient status, including date and time that messages were left.
d. Check the chart for frequent orders.
e. Omit charting what the health provider's response is to notification of the patient's status change.

Answer 1

To provide the best care for a deteriorating patient, the nurse must work under direct supervision, document all changes and communications with healthcare providers, keep up-to-date with frequent orders, and ensure procedures are accurate and sterile.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a patient's condition is slowly deteriorating, the nurse must provide the best care possible by adhering to the following actions:

• Direct supervision of a registered nurse: Nursing students should not receive verbal orders from the physician, especially not when the supervising nurse is not physically present.
• Document the patient's status changes in the medical record in a timely and thorough manner to ensure continuity of care and legal accountability.
• Communication with healthcare providers: It is crucial to document that the health care provider has been notified of the patient's specific status, including the date and time of any messages left.
• Check the patient's chart for frequent orders and ensure all care provided is up-to-date and in accordance with the latest physician's instructions.
• Record the healthcare provider's response to notifications about the patient's status change to maintain an accurate and complete account of the patient's care.

Assessing and responding to patient needs before, during, and after treatment and ensuring accurate and sterile procedures are part of high-quality nursing care. The nurse plays a critical role in patient recovery and works in collaboration with the entire healthcare team to ensure patient safety and optimal outcomes.