A charge nurse is planning client care assignments for a unit. Which of the following tasks should the nurse assign to a licensed practical nurse (LPN)?

Choice A rationale:

Setting target dates for completion is an important step, but it should come after goals and objectives have been established. Goals and objectives provide the foundation for developing a timeline and action plan.

Choice B rationale:

Identifying areas of support is valuable, but it's not the next immediate action after developing the initial plan. Before seeking support, the nurse should clarify the goals and objectives to ensure that the support is aligned with the intended outcomes.

Choice C rationale:

Determining goals and objectives is the next logical step after developing the initial plan. Goals and objectives help guide the committee's work and ensure that the policy revisions are purposeful and aligned with the desired outcomes.

Choice D rationale:

Implementing recommended strategies is a subsequent action that follows the establishment of goals and objectives. Without clear goals and objectives, the strategies might lack direction and cohesiveness.

The correct answer is Choice D: Review the client's request with the family.

Choice D rationale: Reviewing the client's request with the family respects the client's autonomy and the directives stated in their living will. It allows the nurse to communicate and clarify the client's wishes with the family, helping them understand the decisions made by the client when they were competent. This action promotes open communication and may facilitate resolution of the conflict.

Choice A rationale: Inserting the tube and beginning feedings per the family's request disregards the client's living will, which explicitly declines the use of artificial enteral nutrition as a life-sustaining measure. This action goes against the ethical principle of autonomy and could have legal implications.

Choice B rationale: While asking the provider to discuss the issue with the family could be a subsequent step, it is not the primary action to take in this situation. The nurse should first review the client's request with the family to emphasize the importance of the living will and facilitate understanding between the parties involved.

Choice C rationale: Reporting the dilemma to the facility's dietitian does not address the ethical and legal concerns at hand. The dietitian's role is to manage nutritional needs, not to resolve ethical dilemmas or interpret legal documents such as living wills. Involving the dietitian may not be helpful in addressing the conflict between the client's wishes and the family's request.