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)?

The correct answer is choice A: "I delegate tasks to personnel based on their job descriptions."

Choice A rationale:

The response "I delegate tasks to personnel based on their job descriptions" is appropriate in this situation. Charge nurses are responsible for delegating tasks based on the scope of practice and job descriptions of the staff members. This response emphasizes the importance of adhering to established roles and responsibilities within the healthcare team.

Choice B rationale:

The statement "Everyone working here has to care for clients who are incontinent" may be true, but it does not address the specific concern raised by the assistive personnel (AP). It's important to provide a more focused response that addresses the AP's feelings and concerns.

Choice C rationale:

While discussing workflow organization to reduce the number of incontinent clients (Choice C) might be a potential solution, it doesn't directly address the AP's statement about fairness. The charge nurse's response should prioritize explaining the delegation process and addressing the AP's concerns about fairness.

Choice D rationale:

The response "Why do you not want to care for clients who are incontinent?" could be perceived as confrontational and defensive. It's essential to maintain a respectful and supportive tone when addressing staff concerns. This response does not effectively address the situation or provide a solution.

Choice A rationale:

Giving change-of-shift report at the client's bedside is not appropriate due to privacy concerns. The client's room is not a private area for discussing their medical information, and other clients or visitors might overhear sensitive details. A more appropriate location, such as a designated nursing station, should be used for shift handoffs.

Choice B rationale:

Providing client information over the phone to callers identifying themselves as family is incorrect. Even if the caller identifies as family, the nurse cannot verify their identity over the phone. Sharing confidential client information without proper verification violates confidentiality policies and can compromise the client's privacy.

Choice C rationale:

Stating that the client cannot see their medical record because it is considered property of the facility is incorrect. Clients have the legal right to access their medical records under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). While the physical record might be owned by the facility, clients have the right to review their medical information.

Choice D rationale:

Access to client information is limited to direct care providers is the correct statement. Confidentiality requirements dictate that only authorized individuals involved in the client's care, treatment, or payment processes have access to their medical information. This helps protect the client's privacy and ensures that sensitive information is not disclosed to unauthorized parties.