Fundamentals of Nursing Q 254
A student nurse who is employed as a nursing assistant may perform any functions that:
A. Have been learned about in school.
B. Are expected of a nurse at that level.
C. Are identified in the position's job description.
D. Require technical rather than professional skill.
Correct Answer: C. Are identified in the position’s job description.
A student nurse works to maintain, promote and restore the health of patients while following the procedures of the hospital where she is gaining practical experience. A student nurse must follow the instructions of her clinical instructor. Working at a health care facility offers a chance for a student nurse to practice what she has learned in school. It is a challenging experience that involves several duties.
Option A: Student nurses should research the basics of their patients’ needs. Clinical instructors expect student nurses to read and understand the diagnoses of their designated patients. Student nurses must understand the medical conditions of their patients as well as any medications they might require. In addition, student nurses need to be versed in modern technologies, which are important for patient care.
Option B: As part of their clinical rotations, student nurses should administer medications after researching the effects of the medications on patients. They should carry out this function only with the approval of the physician or clinical instructor. Administering medications involves preparing them in the appropriate doses, administering them at the specified times and using the right procedures. Student nurses must also ensure that they are administering medications to the right patients by asking them their names. Additionally, student nurses should check patient IDs to confirm their identities.
Option D: Student nurses also provide nursing care for their patients by assisting them to bathe and eat. Bathing patients may be laborious, especially when they are bedridden. The student nurse has to cover the patient with blankets or sheets to keep him warm. In addition, she should keep the bed dry by placing a towel under the patient. Part of the nursing care demands that student nurses should change bedding after bathing their patients. Gaining a patient’s consent to care for him is vital because he may be uncomfortable with a student nurse.