NCLEX Practice Test

The primary nurse is preparing a client with atrial fibrillation for scheduled cardioversion. What action by the primary nurse requires the charge nurse to intervene?

1. Assembles equipment and obtains a prescription for preprocedural IV sedation

2. Ensures that defibrillator is programmed as prescribed and synchronize function is off

3. Uses clippers to remove the client's chest hair prior to placing defibrillation pads

4. Verifies that the client has provided informed consent and that documentation is signed

The correct answer is: Assembles equipment and obtains a prescription for preprocedural IV sedation

The primary nurse should not be responsible for obtaining a prescription, only for ensuring it is followed once obtained. The primary nurse does not have the authority to turn off the synchronize function on the defibrillator, this is the responsibility of the provider. Removing chest hair is not necessary for cardioversion and may cause discomfort for the patient. Verifying informed consent and signed documentation is not the responsibility of the primary nurse. Therefore, assembling equipment and obtaining a prescription for preprocedural IV sedation would require the charge nurse to intervene.