Care Manager Certification Practice Exam

When determining client acuity, which task's time should the charge nurse consider?

1. Charting.

2. Assisting others.

3. Medication administration.

4. Meal breaks.

The correct answer is: Medication administration.

When determining client acuity, it is essential to consider the time required for medication administration. This task is critical because it directly impacts patient care and safety. Medication administration is often complex and must be carried out accurately to ensure that patients receive the correct drugs at the right times and dosages. This process can involve various steps, including verifying orders, educating patients about the medications they are receiving, monitoring for adverse reactions, and documenting the administration promptly. Understanding the time and attention required for this task helps charge nurses gauge the needs of the patients effectively and allocate resources accordingly. On the other hand, while charting and assisting others are important tasks, they typically reflect ongoing aspects of care rather than direct client acuity. Charting, while necessary for documentation, can vary in time depending on clinical conditions, but it does not necessarily indicate the acuity level of the patients. Assisting others is also a collaborative task that might not directly reflect the individual needs of clients. Meal breaks, while essential for staff well-being, do not contribute to client acuity evaluations and are more related to staff management than patient needs. Thus, medication administration stands out as a critical component when assessing overall client acuity.