# Review the interprofessional handoff timeline and determine how the nurse should close an unresolved safety gap before transfer of responsibility. > source: MyMerci (mymerci.kr) > url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=535415&lang=en > language: en > subject: Collaboration with Multidisciplinary Team > category: MOC ## Question Review the interprofessional handoff timeline and determine how the nurse should close an unresolved safety gap before transfer of responsibility. | Time | Data | | --- | --- | | 1400 | Potassium is 2.9 mEq/L. IV replacement begins. The order requires a repeat potassium level after the infusion. | | 1515 | The transfer note says 'potassium replacement in progress' but does not identify who will review the repeat result or when to escalate. | | 1530 | During verbal handoff, the receiving nurse checks back: 'I hear that replacement is running, but who owns the repeat result?' No clinician is assigned yet. | Q1. What safety problem is revealed by the timeline? An accountability gap for a time-sensitive pending result A need to omit laboratory information so the handoff remains brief A reason to cancel all transfers involving IV medications Q2. What should the sending nurse do before transfer? Rely on the electronic note because any clinician can review the result Tell the receiving nurse to ask the provider after arrival Identify and confirm the accountable clinician, expected review time, action threshold, and escalation plan Q3. Which statement best demonstrates closed-loop handoff? The result will probably be normal after replacement Everything important is in the chart Someone on step-down can handle it You will review the repeat potassium at 1600, call the provider for the stated threshold, and notify me now if that responsibility cannot be accepted ## Explanation A handoff transfers both information and accountability. High-risk pending work must be named, assigned to a specific receiving clinician, and confirmed with closed-loop communication. The nurse should not assume that an electronic note alone transfers responsibility. When the receiving nurse identifies that no one owns the repeat potassium result, the gap should be resolved before physical transfer or through a clearly agreed safe contingency. Structured communication such as I-PASS or SBAR, plus check-back, reduces ambiguity but does not replace clinical judgment or escalation. ## In-depth explanation Correct Answer The unresolved trend is a transfer-of-accountability gap for a high-risk pending laboratory result. Why It Fits The handoff mentions the infusion but does not identify who will review the repeat potassium or what action threshold applies. Clinical Picture A receiving-nurse check-back exposes the missing owner before the client leaves the sending unit, allowing the team to close the loop. Memory Link A handoff is complete only when responsibility is heard, accepted, and confirmed. NCLEX Rule Name the pending task, assign an accountable clinician, state the expected time and escalation threshold, and confirm the receiver's understanding. Why the Alternatives Fail A note left for later, a vague statement that someone will check, or transfer before ownership is confirmed can allow a time-sensitive abnormal result to be missed. Sources 1AHRQ TeamSTEPPS Communication Module 2AHRQ TeamSTEPPS 3.0 32026 NCLEX-RN Test Plan ## Clinical scenario Transfer to step-down care A client treated for sepsis is ready to leave the intensive care unit. A potassium replacement infusion is running, but the repeat laboratory result and responsibility for follow-up are not yet clear. ## Key concepts - **Handoff** — The transfer of information, accountability, and responsibility from one caregiver or team to another. - **Check-back** — A closed-loop communication method in which the receiver repeats key information and the sender verifies accuracy. - **Pending result** — A test result not yet available that needs an identified owner, expected review time, and response plan. ## Related questions - [A nurse is taking a verbal medication order during a code blue from the resident physician…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=368265&lang=en) - [A 78-year-old woman with stage IV lung adenocarcinoma and multiple bone metastases reports…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=372704&lang=en) - [A nurse is preparing discharge plans for several patients on the medical-surgical unit. 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The nurse compares t…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=568889&lang=en) ## Read in another language - [en](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=535415&lang=en) - [ko](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=535415&lang=ko) - [ja](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=535415&lang=ja) - [zh-TW](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=535415&lang=zh-tw) - [vi](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=535415&lang=vi) --- More free questions: [NCLEX-RN Practice](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_bank.php?lang=en) _For study reference only. Always follow current clinical guidelines and your institution’s protocols._