A nurse assembles a basin, water pitcher, tissues, glass, soap, and checks lights, electric fan, and plug points are in working condition after receiving a call from the outpatient department. When asked, she replied that it is a routine procedure:

1. A

   Prior to any admission

2. B

   After the death of any patient

3. C

   During every day rounds

4. D

   After a discharge

Appeared in: UPUMS Nsg officer-2023

Explanation

• The actions described—assembling supplies and checking the environment—are standard protocol for preparing a patient's room before they arrive.
• This process is initiated upon notification of an incoming patient, in this case, a call from the outpatient department (OPD).
• The goal is to ensure the unit is safe, comfortable, and fully equipped to welcome the new patient, which facilitates a smooth admission process.
• According to nursing fundamentals, it is a primary nursing responsibility to prepare the unit or room before the admission of a patient.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

• Option B: After the death of a patient, the unit undergoes terminal cleaning and disinfection, which is a more intensive process than what is described. The room is then prepared for the next admission, but the initial trigger is death, not an OPD call for a new patient.
• Option C: Daily rounds involve providing care, administering medications, and assessing the condition of patients who are already admitted. It does not involve setting up a complete new set of supplies as if for a new person.
• Option D: While these preparations happen after a discharge, they are specifically done for the next admission. The immediate action after discharge is terminal cleaning. The scenario's trigger is a call about an incoming patient, making 'prior to admission' the more precise and direct answer.

Related Visual

Clinical Relevance

• Nursing practice connection: Safe nursing care depends on performing Nursing Procedures for Patient Admission in the correct sequence, documenting the action clearly, and monitoring for the expected response.
• Preparing a unit before admission is a fundamental aspect of infection control and patient safety. A clean, well-prepared environment reduces the risk of healthcare-associated infections.
• A ready room contributes significantly to the patient's first impression and psychological comfort, reducing anxiety and making them feel welcomed and cared for.
• What if? - If the nurse had received a call about a patient being discharged, her routine procedure would be different. She would focus on discharge teaching, ensuring prescriptions are ready, arranging follow-up, and finally, initiating the terminal cleaning process after the patient leaves, rather than setting up for a new arrival.

How to Approach the Question

• First, analyze the scenario: A nurse is performing specific actions (gathering supplies, checking equipment).
• Identify the trigger for these actions: 'after receiving a call from the outpatient department'. This is a key clue that a new patient is expected.
• Evaluate the options in the context of the trigger. The actions are preparatory for an arrival.
• Option A, 'Prior to any admission', directly aligns with preparing for an incoming patient.
• Consider why other options are less likely. 'After death' or 'after discharge' leads to terminal cleaning, a different process. 'During rounds' applies to existing patients.
• Conclude that the described 'routine procedure' is the standard preparation for a new patient admission.

Concept Tested & Keywords

• Concept Tested: Nursing Procedures for Patient Admission
• Stem keywords: assembles basin, water pitcher, checks lights, call from outpatient department, routine procedure
• Lead-in keywords: routine procedure
• Clinical cues: The trigger for the action is a 'call from the outpatient department', which signifies an incoming patient.

Question ID

QhCk4F7QX8WESQ8b3hbYKZ

Copy ID

Reference Book

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 301-303