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 B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Blood for PaCO2 is a specialized specimen that requires venipuncture and specific handling to ensure accuracy, which should be performed by a licensed nurse or phlebotomist.
B. Random stool specimen collection is a routine task that can be delegated to the AP. It requires minimal specialized skill and is within the AP's scope of practice.
C. Wound drainage for culture requires sterile technique and proper handling to avoid contamination, which is beyond the AP's responsibilities.
D. Urine from an indwelling catheter requires specialized techniques and knowledge to ensure proper collection, and should be performed by a nurse.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Naloxone would reverse morphine effects, which is not relevant to the immediate need for surgical intervention.
B. The client might not be able to sign the consent if under the effects of morphine, and obtaining consent might be delayed.
C. Delaying surgery might not be appropriate if the client’s condition is critical and requires urgent intervention.
D. Implied consent is used in emergencies when a patient cannot provide consent due to their condition, and it is assumed they would consent to life-saving treatment.