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 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 A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Check to see if the elbow restraint is in place for an infant who is postoperative from a surgical correction of a cleft palate is a priority to ensure the safety and proper positioning of a vulnerable postoperative patient.
B. Wash the hair of an adolescent who reports extreme fatigue and is scheduled for radiation therapy for the treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma can be done later, as it is not as critical as ensuring the safety of a postoperative infant.
C. Collect a stool sample for ova and parasites from a school-age child is important but not as urgent as checking restraints for a postoperative infant.
D. Engage a toddler in play is important for developmental support but is not as urgent as tasks directly related to patient safety and postoperative care.