Question

A nursing assistant enters the patient's room while the physician is examining a patient who had surgery the day

before. The physician tells the nursing assistant to get the patient up to sit in a chair for two hours. What should the
nursing assistant do? Check all that apply.
ask the physician to speak with the RN
check with the RN to clarify your assignment
get the patient out of bed and into a chair
tell the RN what the physician asked you to do

Answer 1

In this situation, the nursing assistant should consider the following actions:

1. Check with the RN to clarify your assignment: It is essential for the nursing assistant to communicate with the Registered Nurse (RN) to ensure they understand the specific details and instructions given by the physician. The RN can provide additional insights and inform the assistant about any precautions or specific care requirements for the patient.

2. Get the patient out of bed and into a chair: If it is determined that it is safe and appropriate for the patient to sit in a chair for two hours after the surgery, the nursing assistant should proceed with assisting the patient in getting out of bed and comfortably settled into a chair. However, it is crucial to consider any potential complications or contraindications that may affect the patient's ability to sit upright for an extended period.

3. Tell the RN what the physician asked you to do: It is important for the nursing assistant to maintain effective communication within the healthcare team. By informing the RN about the physician's instructions, they can ensure that appropriate monitoring and ongoing care are provided to the patient. The RN may also provide further guidance or address any concerns related to the physician's order.

While asking the physician to speak with the RN may be a valid option in some cases, it is not explicitly necessary in this scenario unless there is a discrepancy or clarification is required.