Question

The nurse is assembling a report for a client with a fall and possible hip fracture who is being transferred to a hospital. Which piece of information is most important for the nurse to include in the transfer report? A. Family health history B. Current medications C. Current diet D. Location of the fall

Short answer

A. Family health history B. Current medications C. Current diet D. Location of the fall Answer: B. Current medications

Step-by-step solution

Evaluate Option A: Family health history

Family health history could be important for understanding the client's overall health background and any hereditary health conditions. However, it might not be the most crucial information needed for the specific issue of a fall and possible hip fracture.

Evaluate Option B: Current medications

Current medications provide information about the client's ongoing health concerns, any pre-existing conditions, and potential drug interactions or side effects that could have contributed to the fall or affect their recovery. This information is more directly related to the client's immediate situation.

Evaluate Option C: Current diet

The client's current diet might provide some context regarding their nutritional status, which could impact their bone health and overall well-being. However, this option also might not be the most crucial information needed for the specific issue of a fall and possible hip fracture.

Evaluate Option D: Location of the fall

The location of the fall could provide insight into the incident's circumstances and help determine the cause or any contributing factors. However, with a hip fracture being the primary concern, this information might not be as immediately relevant as other choices.

Choose best answer

After evaluating the importance of each option in the context of the client's fall and possible hip fracture, we can determine that the most important piece of information to include in the transfer report is Option B, current medications, as it closely relates to the client's immediate health and possible factors contributing to the fall or affecting their recovery. Therefore, the correct answer is: B. Current medications

Key concepts

Nursing Report Writing

Understanding how to write an effective nursing report is essential for healthcare professionals, especially when managing patient transfers. The goal of a nursing report is to provide a clear, concise, and comprehensive summary of a patient's status, including any recent changes or incidents. In the case of a patient who has suffered a fall and possible hip fracture, the report should include key details that will help the receiving facility continue care seamlessly.

When assembling the nursing report, the nurse should prioritize information that directly impacts the patient's current condition and urgent needs. Thus, current medications are of the utmost importance as they can inform the medical staff of possible drug interactions, any contraindications for potential surgical procedures, and pain management protocols. While demographic information and the location of the fall have their place, medication management takes precedence due to its immediate relevance to patient care and safety.

Patient Transfer Information

In the transfer of patients between healthcare settings, clear communication about a patient's current status, treatment plans, and recent events is critical to ensure a smooth transition of care. This is where patient transfer information becomes pivotal. The details shared can directly influence the care the patient receives at the new facility.

In our scenario, details about the fall's occurrence are certainly valuable, but they are secondary to information that will directly impact immediate medical decisions. The transfer document must include brief, yet descriptive information on the circumstances surrounding the fall, such as the location, but should prioritize medical status, such as current medications, to manage the more pressing matter of a potential hip fracture.

Medication Management

Medication management is a core component of patient care, more so in emergencies or when transferring patients with acute conditions. Proper medication management involves correctly documenting current prescriptions, dosages, and administration schedules. It is a vital aspect that equips healthcare providers with important information to avoid adverse events.

In an emergency situation, such as a fall leading to a possible hip fracture, accurate medication information is crucial for several reasons. It allows the receiving medical team to assess for potential drug interactions with new medications that may be required. Moreover, it helps in understanding the impact of the patient's current medication regimen on their risk of falls or the injury's severity. Therefore, medication management is a key topic for NCLEX-PN aspirants, stressing the importance of knowing how to prioritize clinical information under different scenarios.