A client at 42-weeks gestation arrives at the labor and delivery unit for a scheduled induction but refuses the prescribed oxytocin infusion because she wants to have a "natural" delivery.

Which action is most important for the nurse to implement?

Choice A rationale:

Procure platelet products from the blood bank. Rationale: Procuring platelet products from the blood bank is a specialized task that requires specific training and authorization. It should be performed by licensed healthcare providers, such as nurses or physicians, rather than unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP).

Choice B rationale:

Titrate oxygen to the prescribed parameters. Rationale: Titrating oxygen to prescribed parameters requires clinical judgment and assessment skills, which are beyond the scope of practice for UAP. This task should be performed by licensed nurses or respiratory therapists.

Choice C rationale:

Monitor an intravenous infusion rate on an established schedule. Rationale: This is the correct answer. UAP can be trained to monitor intravenous (IV) infusion rates on an established schedule for clients who do not require complex adjustments. It is within their scope of practice to ensure that the IV is running at the prescribed rate and to report any abnormalities or concerns to the nursing staff.

Choice D rationale:

Insert a urinary catheter for an uncomplicated client. Rationale: Inserting a urinary catheter is a specialized nursing procedure that should only be performed by licensed nurses or healthcare providers. It is not within the scope of practice for UAP, even for uncomplicated cases.

Choice A rationale:

Assigning the newly hired unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to clients who require the least complex level of care is not the best approach to ensure adequate care for all clients. It may limit the UAP's opportunities for learning and growth and may not fully utilize their skills.

Choice B rationale:

Asking the most experienced UAP to partner with the newly hired UAP is a reasonable approach, but it may not provide a comprehensive solution. It can be beneficial for mentorship and guidance, but it may not address all the clients' needs efficiently.

Choice C rationale:

Reviewing the UAP's skills checklist and experience with the person who hired the UAP is an important step in assessing competency. However, it alone may not ensure adequate care for all clients. Competency assessment should be ongoing and include direct observation of care delivery.