A client reports that she ingested 1/2 of a liter of a prep solution for a colonoscopy. How many mL of fluid intake should the practical nurse (PN) document?
(Enter numeric value only. If rounding is required, round to the nearest whole number.)

This question is related to the responsibilities and scope of practice of a practical nurse (PN) and a medication aide. A medication aide is a certified nursing assistant (CNA) who is responsible for administering daily medication to patients under the supervision of a licensed nurse, such as a PN or a registered nurse (RN). A PN is a licensed nurse who can provide routine care, observe patients’ health, assist doctors and RNs, and communicate instructions to patients regarding medication, home-based care, and preventative lifestyle changes.

Based on this information, the best action that the PN should take in this situation is c. Assign the remainder of medication administration to another PN who is performing treatments. This is because it would ensure that the medication administration is completed by another licensed nurse who has the knowledge, skills, and authority to do so. The PN who is performing treatments may have some spare time or be able to rearrange their schedule to accommodate the additional task. The PN should also communicate with the other PN and the medication aide about the situation and document the change of assignment in the patients’ records.

Option a is not a good choice, because it would be unfair and unethical to deny the medication aide’s request to leave if they are sick. The medication aide’s health and well-being are also important, and forcing them to stay and work could compromise their safety and the quality of care they provide to the patients.

Option b is not a good choice, because it would be outside the scope of practice of the UAPs to give medications to the patients. UAPs are not trained or certified to administer medications, and doing so could pose serious risks to the patients’ health and safety. The PN would also be liable for any errors or adverse outcomes that may result from the UAPs’ actions.

Option d is not a good choice, because it would not solve the problem of the medication administration being incomplete. Documenting why the medications were not given is important, but it is not enough to ensure that the patients receive their prescribed drugs and treatments. The PN still has the responsibility to find a way to complete the medication administration or delegate it to another qualified and available person.

While all of the options address the issue of impaired mobility related to fear of falling, the desired outcome of ambulating with assistance q4 hours is the most specific and measurable goal. This outcome focuses on promoting mobility and addressing the client's fear of falling by providing the necessary assistance during ambulation. It ensures that the client is engaging in regular activity and working towards regaining mobility.
The other options address different aspects of the nursing problem:

A. "The client will use self-affirmation statements to decrease fear" is a potential intervention that can be used to address the client's fear of falling, but it does not directly address the issue of impaired mobility.
C. "The physical therapist will instruct the client in the use of a walker" is an intervention that can be helpful in improving mobility, but it does not specify the frequency or timing of ambulation.
D. "The PN will place a gait belt on the client prior to ambulation" is a specific intervention that ensures the safety of the client during ambulation, but it does not address the frequency or timing of ambulation.