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.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Reporting the observation to the nurse caring for that client is important but not the immediate priority.
B. Informing the nursing supervisor is necessary but should be done after assessing the situation directly.
C. Approaching the man and asking why he is making copies is the most immediate and direct action. It allows the nurse to assess the situation and determine if the man has legitimate access to the client's medical record or if further action is needed.
D. Notifying hospital security may be necessary if the man’s actions are unauthorized, but the first step is to gather more information.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. A client who has pneumonia and has an axillary temperature of 38° C (101° F) has an elevated temperature, but it is less critical than immediate concerns with circulation.
B. A client who has diarrhea and requests clear liquids for breakfast needs dietary adjustments but does not present as urgent.
C. A client who has a cast on the left leg and reports numbness and paresthesia could be experiencing complications such as compartment syndrome, which is an urgent condition requiring immediate assessment.
D. A client who has type 1 diabetes mellitus and has a fasting blood glucose level of 150 is important to monitor but not as immediately critical as potential complications with circulation.