Texas Board of Nursing (BON) Practice Exam

A nurse would be fulfilling his or her duty to safeguard patients from harm if the nurse

1. ignores changes in a patient's condition to avoid conflict

2. waits for a physician to address any deteriorating conditions

3. follows only the orders given without question

4. recognizes that a patient's condition is deteriorating, acts to stabilize the patient, and reports the patient's status to the physician

The correct answer is: recognizes that a patient's condition is deteriorating, acts to stabilize the patient, and reports the patient's status to the physician

Proper patient care and safeguarding patients from harm are key responsibilities of a nurse. Option A and C are incorrect because ignoring changes in a patient's condition or blindly following orders without questioning can lead to harm or worsen a patient's condition. Option B is also incorrect because a nurse should take appropriate action to stabilize a patient in a deteriorating condition, rather than wait for a physician to address it. Therefore, the best answer is option D, as it highlights the importance of timely recognition and action to safeguard patients from harm.