A registered nurse (RN) and an experienced licensed practical nurse (LPN) are caring for a group of clients. Which of the following tasks should the RN delegate to the LPN? SELECT ALL THAT APPLY
Monitoring vital signs of postoperative clients.
Administering routine medications to stable clients.
Performing wound care on a client with a Stage III pressure ulcer.
Developing a teaching plan for a client newly diagnosed with Type II Diabetes.
Providing oral care to an unconscious client.
Correct Answer : A,B,C,E
Choice A reason:
Monitoring vital signs of postoperative clients is a task that can be safely delegated to an experienced LPN. LPNs are trained to monitor and report vital signs, which is a routine and essential part of postoperative care. This task does not require the advanced assessment skills of an RN, making it appropriate for delegation.
Choice B reason:
Administering routine medications to stable clients is within the scope of practice for LPNs. They are trained to administer medications and monitor clients for adverse reactions. As long as the clients are stable and the medications are routine, this task can be delegated to an LPN.
Choice C reason:
Performing wound care on a client with a Stage III pressure ulcer is a task that an experienced LPN can perform. LPNs are skilled in wound care and can manage complex dressings and treatments under the supervision of an RN. This delegation allows the RN to focus on more complex tasks that require their advanced skills.
Choice D reason:
Developing a teaching plan for a client newly diagnosed with Type II Diabetes is a task that should not be delegated to an LPN. This task requires comprehensive knowledge of diabetes management, patient education, and individualized care planning, which are within the RN’s scope of practice. The RN should develop the teaching plan and may involve the LPN in reinforcing the education.
Choice E reason:
Providing oral care to an unconscious client is a task that can be delegated to an experienced LPN. Oral care is essential for preventing infections and maintaining hygiene, and LPNs are trained to perform this care safely and effectively.
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View Related questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Secondary prevention involves early detection and treatment of disease to halt its progression. Examples include screening tests and early interventions. Advising a client with osteoporosis to consume dairy products is not aimed at early detection but rather at preventing the onset of complications by ensuring adequate calcium intake.
Choice B reason:
Primary prevention aims to prevent the onset of disease or injury before it occurs. This includes measures such as vaccinations, lifestyle modifications, and dietary recommendations. Advising a client with osteoporosis to consume three servings of milk or dairy products daily is a primary prevention strategy. It helps to maintain bone density and prevent fractures by ensuring adequate calcium and vitamin D intake.
Choice C reason:
Proactive prevention is not a standard term used in public health or medical practice. The recognized levels of prevention are primary, secondary, and tertiary. Therefore, this option is not applicable in this context.
Choice D reason:
Tertiary prevention focuses on managing and mitigating the effects of an existing disease to prevent further complications and improve quality of life. This includes rehabilitation and ongoing treatment for chronic conditions. While advising a client with osteoporosis to consume dairy products can be part of managing the condition, it is primarily a preventive measure to avoid further bone loss and fractures, aligning more with primary prevention.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Assisting a client with a bed bath who has a history of falls is important for maintaining hygiene and preventing skin breakdown. However, this task does not address an immediate physiological need. While it is essential to ensure the safety of clients with a history of falls, this task can be scheduled after more urgent needs are met. The priority in nursing care is to address tasks that have the most immediate impact on a client’s health and safety.
Choice B reason:
Providing a snack to a diabetic client who is feeling lightheaded is the most urgent task. Lightheadedness in a diabetic client can be a sign of hypoglycemia, which requires immediate intervention to prevent serious complications such as loss of consciousness or seizures. Hypoglycemia occurs when blood sugar levels drop too low, and providing a quick source of glucose can help stabilize the client’s condition. This task addresses an immediate physiological need and is critical for the client’s safety and well-being.
Choice C reason:
Feeding a client who has bilateral casts due to upper arm fractures is necessary to ensure the client receives adequate nutrition. However, this task does not address an immediate threat to the client’s health. While it is important to assist clients who are unable to feed themselves, this task can be performed after more urgent needs are addressed. Prioritizing tasks that address immediate physiological needs is essential in nursing care.
Choice D reason:
Ambulating a postoperative client for the first time is important for preventing complications such as deep vein thrombosis, pneumonia, and muscle weakness. Early ambulation is a key component of postoperative care and helps promote recovery. However, this task can be scheduled after addressing more immediate physiological needs. Ensuring the safety and stability of clients with urgent conditions takes precedence over routine postoperative care activities.