Safety First!
Nursing School Survival
What Would the Nurse Do?
Legal & Ethical
Nursing Grab Bag
100

The bed should usually be left in this position when the nurse leaves the room.

Lowest Position

100

You finally sit down during clinical. This device will probably activate immediately.

Call Light

100

A patient says, “I'm scared about my surgery.” The nurse should do this instead of saying, “Don't worry.”

Encourage the patient to discuss their concerns

100

Discussing a patient's diagnosis in a crowded elevator can violate this.

Confidentiality

100

This practice remains necessary even when gloves are worn.

Hand Hygiene

200

Before giving a medication, the nurse uses at least this many patient identifiers.

Two Identifiers

200

Your instructor asks, “Why are you giving that medication?” This is NOT the ideal response.

 “Because it was ordered”

200

A patient refuses a medication. The nurse's first response should include this.

Assess the reason for refusal

200

A competent patient says, “I don't want that medication.” This ethical principle supports the decision.

Autonomy

200

Assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation make up this framework.

Nursing Process

300

A confused patient repeatedly tries to get out of bed. This should be attempted before restraints.

Less restrictive safety interventions

300

You cannot remember how to perform a skill. This is your safest next move.

Stop and ask for assistance

300

One patient wants water. Another reports new chest pain. This patient is assessed first.

Patient with new chest pain

300

A nurse charts a dressing change before actually performing it. This is the major problem.

Falsification of Documentation

300

This communication technique involves fully focusing on and understanding what the patient is saying.

Active Listening

400

A nurse finds an unlabeled medication cup at the bedside. This is the safest action.

Discard the medication according to policy

400

Your assessment finding seems completely wrong. Before panicking, do this.

Reassess the patient

400

A UAP reports that a patient's blood pressure is suddenly much lower than before. The nurse should do this.

Assess the patient

400

A nurse realizes a medication error occurred. This is the appropriate professional action.

Assess the patient and report the error promptly.

400

The RN gives a task to a UAP but remains responsible for appropriate supervision. This process is called this.

Delegation

500

Your patient suddenly becomes restless and confused with an SpO₂ of 84%. This takes priority.

Immediately assess and support oxygenation

500

The student who says “I don't need to ask questions anymore” is missing this nursing quality.

Recognizing one's limitations

500

After receiving report on four patients, the nurse should see the patient with this problem first.

Acute airway or breathing problem

500

A nurse posts a hospital photo online with a patient's room number visible. This creates this major concern.

Privacy/Confidentiality Breach

500

Recognizing cues, analyzing information, setting priorities, and choosing safe actions rely heavily on this.

Clinical Judgment