Interprofessional Communication

1. It’s 10:30 a.m. on a medical floor. The LPN is caring for Mr. Carrière, 76 years old, who was admitted yesterday for pneumonia. While checking vital signs, the LPN notes that his respiratory rate has increased to 32/min, his oxygen saturation dropped to 86% on room air, and he appears confused. What is the best way for the LPN to communicate this situation to the RN or physician? *

Send a quick message on the internal chat system

Use the SBAR method to report the patient’s change in condition

Ask another LPN to check the patient again before calling

Wait until the next team round to report

2. During her shift, the LPN observes that Mrs. Gagnon, 82 years old, who has a history of heart failure, suddenly develops shortness of breath and cyanosis. Her oxygen saturation is 78% despite oxygen at 2 L/min. Who should the LPN notify first in this situation? *

The unit clerk

The patient’s family

The RN or physician in charge

The respiratory therapist

3. At the end of her evening shift, the LPN must transfer care of four patients to the night LPN. One of her patients, Mr. Dufresne, has an IV antibiotic running at 50 mL/hr and is scheduled for a wound dressing at midnight. Which statement demonstrates effective interprofessional communication during handoff? *

“Everything’s fine; just continue his antibiotic.”

“I didn’t have time to check his wound; you can do it if you want.”

“He’s stable; there’s not much to say.”

“You’ll need to monitor Mr. Dufresne’s IV and complete his dressing at midnight.”

4. During morning rounds, the physician gives several verbal orders quickly while the LPN is assisting with patient care. The LPN did not fully hear the antibiotic dosage but notes that the order seems different from the previous day. What should the LPN do? *

Administer the antibiotic at the usual dose

Ask another nurse what the physician said

Clarify the dosage directly with the physician before administration

Delay the medication until the next shift

5. During a busy morning, an LPN notices that the RN is overwhelmed and has not yet completed a patient’s wound care. The LPN has time available and knows the procedure is within her scope of practice. What is the best action for the LPN to promote effective interprofessional collaboration? *

Wait for the RN to ask for help

Offer assistance and coordinate care based on each role’s scope of practice

Complete the wound care without informing the RN

Document that the RN did not complete the task

6. During shift report, the RN questions the LPN’s documentation of a patient’s fluid intake, implying that it’s inaccurate. The LPN feels defensive but wants to maintain professional communication. What is the most appropriate response by the LPN? *

“Let’s review the intake sheet together to clarify any confusion.”

“I know what I’m doing; I double-checked my charting.”

“You always question my documentation.”

Ignore the RN and continue the report.

7. The physician instructs the RN to start a new IV antibiotic for Mr. Raymond. The RN verbally tells the LPN to prepare the medication, but the LPN recalls that the patient has a penicillin allergy. What should the LPN do next? *

Prepare the medication as instructed

Ask another nurse if it’s safe

Verify the order and notify the RN about the allergy before proceeding

Refuse to give the medication without explanation

8. An LPN documents that a wound dressing was completed at 1400, but later realizes the task was actually done at 1430. What is the best action to ensure accurate team communication? *

Leave the note as it is; 30 minutes won’t matter

Erase the initial entry and rewrite the correct time

Informally tell the next shift that the time was wrong

Add a new entry stating the correct time and reason for correction

9. While transferring a patient with the RN, the LPN notices that the IV line was accidentally pulled out, causing minor bleeding. What is the best way for the LPN to communicate this event? *

Replace the IV without reporting the incident

Inform the RN immediately and document the event according to policy

Wait until the physician comes for rounds to mention it

Only tell the patient and apologize

10. During a code blue, the LPN is asked by the physician to retrieve the emergency cart, while the RN starts chest compressions. Upon returning, another team member gives conflicting instructions. What should the LPN do to ensure effective communication in this high-stress situation? *

Follow whoever gives instructions first

Stop and clarify the team leader’s orders before proceeding

Continue acting independently

Wait until the confusion resolves