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 C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Verify the AP's educational preparation prior to delegating the task is unnecessary if the AP has been trained and is competent in the task.
B. Observe the AP as she obtains the vital signs of each client is not required for routine tasks unless there is a concern about performance.
C. Determine the time frame the AP should report the results is crucial for ensuring timely and accurate reporting, which is necessary for effective patient care.
D. Ask the AP to take the vital signs of the client returning from surgery first might not be appropriate without considering the urgency of all clients’ conditions.
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.