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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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.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Administering an antipyretic can help reduce fever, which is a common symptom of meningococcal meningitis. However, this action does not address the immediate need to assess the extent of neurological impairment. While fever management is important, it is not the first priority in this situation.
Choice B reason:
Completing a vascular assessment is important to evaluate the client’s circulatory status, especially if there are signs of septicemia. However, in the context of suspected meningococcal meningitis, the priority is to assess the neurological status to determine the extent of central nervous system involvement. This will guide further treatment and interventions.
Choice C reason:
Assessing the cranial nerves is crucial in a client with suspected meningococcal meningitis. This assessment helps determine the extent of neurological impairment and can provide critical information about the progression of the disease. Early identification of neurological deficits can guide immediate and appropriate interventions to prevent further complications.
Choice D reason:
Decreasing environmental stimuli can help reduce discomfort for the client, especially if they are experiencing photophobia or other sensory sensitivities. However, this action does not address the immediate need to assess the client’s neurological status. It is a supportive measure that can be implemented after more critical assessments are completed.