A client is receiving rehabilitation for paralysis following a spinal cord injury and is diagnosed with reflex incontinence. Which of the following is the highest priority intervention the nurse should include in the plan of care?

Choice A reason: Initiating a plan of care for a client who is postoperative from an appendectomy is not a task that the RN should delegate to the LPN, as it requires nursing judgment, critical thinking, and assessment skills that are beyond the scope of practice of the LPN. The RN is responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating the plan of care for each client based on their individual needs, preferences, and goals. The RN can delegate some aspects of the plan of care to the LPN, such as performing routine tasks or monitoring the client's status, but the RN must supervise and evaluate the LPN's performance.

Choice B reason: Administering a tap-water enema to a client who is preoperative is a task that the RN can delegate to the LPN, as it is a standardized procedure that does not require nursing judgment or assessment. The LPN has the knowledge and skills to perform this task safely and effectively, following the established policies and protocols of the facility. The RN should provide clear instructions and expectations to the LPN, such as the type, amount, and temperature of the solution, the position and comfort of the client, and the signs and symptoms to report. The RN should also verify that the LPN has completed the task and documented the outcome.

Choice C reason: Providing discharge instructions to a confused client's spouse is not a task that the RN should delegate to the LPN, as it involves teaching, counseling, and evaluating the client's and family's understanding and readiness for discharge. These are complex activities that require nursing judgment, communication skills, and evaluation skills that are beyond the scope of practice of the LPN. The RN is responsible for ensuring that the client and family receive adequate information and education about the client's condition, treatment, medications, follow-up care, and community resources. The RN can delegate some aspects of discharge planning to the LPN, such as collecting data or providing reinforcement of teaching, but the RN must supervise and evaluate the LPN's performance.

Choice D reason: Catheterizing a client who has not voided in 8 hours is a task that the RN can delegate to the LPN, as it is a standardized procedure that does not require nursing judgment or assessment. The LPN has the knowledge and skills to perform this task safely and effectively, following the established policies and protocols of the facility. The RN should provide clear instructions and expectations to the LPN, such as the type and size of the catheter, the sterile technique, and the urine output measurement. The RN should also verify that the LPN has completed the task and documented the outcome.

Choice E reason: Obtaining vital signs from a client who is 6 hours postoperative is a task that the RN can delegate to the LPN, as it is a routine task that does not require nursing judgment or assessment. The LPN has the knowledge and skills to perform this task safely and effectively, using appropriate equipment and techniques. The RN should provide clear instructions and expectations to the LPN, such as the frequency and parameters of vital signs monitoring. The RN should also verify that the LPN has completed the task and documented the outcome.

Choice A: Administer corticosteroids. This is incorrect because corticosteroids are used to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system, but they do not directly affect venous return, stiffness, or muscle strength and endurance.

Choice B: Turn and reposition every 2 hours. This is incorrect because turning and repositioning are important to prevent pressure ulcers and promote circulation, but they are not sufficient to maintain muscle strength and endurance. The client also needs active or passive exercises to prevent muscle atrophy and contractures.

Choice C: Administer interferon. This is incorrect because interferon is a type of immunomodulator that can reduce the frequency and severity of relapses in multiple sclerosis, but it does not directly affect venous return, stiffness, or muscle strength and endurance.

Choice D: Encourage range-of-motion exercises. This is correct because range-of-motion exercises can help increase venous return, prevent stiffness, and maintain muscle strength and endurance in clients with multiple sclerosis. Range-of-motion exercises can be performed actively by the client or passively by the nurse or a caregiver. They should be done at least twice a day to prevent complications such as contractures, spasticity, and pain.