Clinical Nurse Leader Practice Exam

Which task should the CNL prioritize after a patient undergoes surgery for femur fixation?

1. Make sure a diet is ordered post-op

2. Ensure the physician documented the VTE sheet with type and time of anticoagulant

3. Inform the family in the waiting room about the patient's status

4. Place the phone near the patient

The correct answer is: Ensure the physician documented the VTE sheet with type and time of anticoagulant

Prioritizing the task of ensuring the physician documented the VTE (venous thromboembolism) sheet with type and time of anticoagulant administration is critical after a patient undergoes surgery for femur fixation. This is due to the high risk of VTE in postoperative patients, particularly those who have undergone orthopedic surgeries. Proper documentation of anticoagulant therapy is essential for preventing complications related to blood clot formation, which can be life-threatening. In this context, accuracy in documentation ensures that all healthcare providers are aware of the patient's anticoagulant regimen, facilitating safe and effective postoperative care. It also supports adherence to protocols designed to minimize the risk of VTE, thereby improving patient safety and outcomes. Ensuring that a diet is ordered post-operatively, informing the family about the patient’s status, and placing the phone near the patient are also important tasks. However, they do not carry the same immediate potential for impacting patient safety and health outcomes as confirming the timely documentation and administration of anticoagulation therapy. The risk associated with VTE is significantly heightened in the postoperative period, making the associated documentation a higher priority.