Final answer:
A student nurse should consult with the instructor to prioritize treatments when it is not possible to complete all procedures in the allotted time. Prioritization is essential for managing the workload and ensuring efficient patient care, especially in challenging clinical environments.
Step-by-step explanation:
When faced with a situation where it is not possible to complete all the needed treatments in the scheduled time during a clinical day, a student nurse should consult with the instructor to 2) prioritize the treatments. This involves determining which treatments are most critical and must be performed first based on the patient's current condition and medical priorities. Consulting the instructor allows the student nurse to gain insight on how to effectively manage the workload while ensuring patient care is not compromised.
In a clinical setting, where there is work overload and heavy physical work, as well as the patient concerns including dealing with death and medical issues, prioritizing tasks is essential. This approach also helps in managing the interpersonal problems with other medical staff, including physicians, by clarifying what can and cannot be achieved during a shift and therefore managing expectations. Utilizing the instructor's guidance to prioritize also helps in reinforcing critical thinking skills, which are essential in the healthcare field.