A nurse in an acute care setting is planning care for a group of clients at the beginning of the shift. Which of the following tasks should the nurse assign to the assistive personnel (AP)?
Removal of the nasogastric tube of a client who has been receiving enteral feedings
Monitoring vital signs of a client who had an appendectomy 12 hr ago
Application of antibiotic ointment to the arm of a client who has dermatitis
Obtaining medical history information from a stable client who is being admitted
The Correct Answer is B
Rationale:
A. Removal of the nasogastric tube is a more complex task that typically requires the nurse’s assessment and judgment.
B. Monitoring vital signs is within the scope of tasks that can be assigned to assistive personnel. This task involves routine observation and does not require complex decision-making.
C. Application of antibiotic ointment requires specific knowledge about the condition and treatment, which is generally performed by a nurse.
D. Obtaining medical history information is a task that requires clinical judgment and interaction, and should be done by a nurse rather than an assistive personnel.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Palpate for possible bladder distention is a task that requires nursing assessment skills and should be done by the nurse.
B. Observe the incision site is a nursing task that involves assessing for signs of complications.
C. Change the abdominal dressing requires sterile technique and should be done by a nurse to prevent infection and ensure proper care.
D. Obtain vital signs is within the AP’s scope of practice and is a task that can be delegated. It is important for monitoring the client’s status and identifying potential issues.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. A client who has diabetes mellitus and is having difficulty self-administering insulin because of poor eyesight may need home health services but not necessarily hospice care unless they are terminally ill.
B. A client who has terminal cancer and needs assistance with pain management is appropriate for hospice care, which focuses on comfort and end-of-life care.
C. A client who has dementia and needs help with activities of daily living might benefit from long-term care or home care services but not necessarily hospice unless they are in the terminal stages.
D. A client who is recovering from a stroke and needs someone to provide care while his spouse is at work requires supportive care rather than hospice care.