A nurse is caring for four postoperative clients. The nurse can delegate obtaining vital signs to an assistive personnel (AP) for which of the following clients?
A client who is 3 days postoperative following a craniotomy
A client who is 3 days postoperative following gastric bypass surgery
A client who is 2 hr postoperative following an abdominal hysterectomy
A client who is 1 hr postoperative following a thyroidectomy
The Correct Answer is B
Rationale:
A. A client who is 3 days postoperative following a craniotomy requires careful monitoring due to potential complications from brain surgery, so vital signs should be taken by a nurse.
B. A client who is 3 days postoperative following gastric bypass surgery is stable enough for an AP to obtain vital signs, as the risk of immediate postoperative complications is lower compared to more recent surgeries.
C. A client who is 2 hr postoperative following an abdominal hysterectomy requires close monitoring due to the recent surgery, so vital signs should be obtained by a nurse.
D. A client who is 1 hr postoperative following a thyroidectomy requires vigilant monitoring for potential complications from recent surgery, which should be done by a nurse.
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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 B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. A client who is 3 days postoperative following a craniotomy requires careful monitoring due to potential complications from brain surgery, so vital signs should be taken by a nurse.
B. A client who is 3 days postoperative following gastric bypass surgery is stable enough for an AP to obtain vital signs, as the risk of immediate postoperative complications is lower compared to more recent surgeries.
C. A client who is 2 hr postoperative following an abdominal hysterectomy requires close monitoring due to the recent surgery, so vital signs should be obtained by a nurse.
D. A client who is 1 hr postoperative following a thyroidectomy requires vigilant monitoring for potential complications from recent surgery, which should be done by a nurse.