A client reports experiencing bleeding between menstrual periods during a health history interview.
How should the nurse document this finding?

Choice A rationale

The task of recording strict nutritional content is within the scope of practice for an assistive personnel (AP). The AP can keep track of the client’s food and fluid intake and report this information to the nurse. This is important in this case as the client has not been eating and the provider has prescribed a regular tray with finger foods at each meal. The nurse can then use this information to assess the client’s nutritional status and make necessary adjustments to the care plan.

Choice B rationale

Administering medication, such as memantine, is not within the scope of practice for an AP. This task requires knowledge and skills related to pharmacology, assessment, and evaluation that are beyond the training of an AP. Therefore, this task should be performed by a licensed nurse.

Choice C rationale

Performing neurological checks is also not within the scope of practice for an AP. These checks involve assessing the client’s level of consciousness, orientation, and neurological function, which require advanced assessment skills. Therefore, this task should be performed by a licensed nurse.

Choice D rationale

Continuing the bowel training program could potentially be within the scope of practice for an AP, depending on the specific tasks involved. However, in this case, the family member has reported that the client is having more difficulty staying focused, which suggests that the bowel training program may need to be adjusted. This requires nursing judgment and therefore should be performed by a licensed nurse.

Choice A rationale

While respiratory distress can be a serious condition in infants, it is not the leading cause of death among this age group. Other conditions, such as sudden infant death syndrome and complications from premature birth, are more common causes of death in infants.

Choice B rationale

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is indeed a leading cause of death among infants. It is a significant health concern and a major cause of post-neonatal death. SIDS is the unexplained death, usually during sleep, of a seemingly healthy baby less than a year old.

Choice C rationale

Congenital anomalies can cause death in infants, but they are not the leading cause. Conditions such as SIDS and complications from premature birth are more common causes of infant death.

Choice D rationale

Low birth weight can contribute to health problems in infants and increase the risk of infant mortality. However, it is not the leading cause of death among infants. Conditions such as SIDS and complications from premature birth are more common causes.