A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) reports increased shortness of breath with activity.
Which test should the nurse schedule the client for evaluation of the symptoms?

Choice A rationale

Monitoring an IV infusion rate on an established schedule requires assessment skills and clinical judgement to identify and respond to potential complications. This task should be performed by a registered nurse.

Choice B rationale

Titration of oxygen to prescribed parameters is a complex task that requires advanced assessment skills and a deep understanding of the patient’s condition and response to treatment. This task should not be delegated to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP).

Choice C rationale

Inserting a urinary catheter for an uncomplicated patient is a task that can be safely delegated to UAP who have been trained and demonstrated competence in this skill. It is a routine procedure and does not require advanced assessment or decision-making skills.

Choice D rationale

Procuring platelet products from the blood bank is a task that involves handling and transporting biological materials, which requires specific knowledge and skills. This task should not be delegated to UAP.

Choice A rationale

The patient vomiting at home for 3 days prior to surgery is crucial information that the PACU nurse should report. This could indicate a pre-existing condition or complication that needs to be addressed in the patient’s post-operative care plan.

Choice B rationale

While the patient refusing to take ice chips despite complaining of dry mouth is an important observation, it is not as critical as the patient’s pre-operative condition (vomiting for 3 days). The refusal of ice chips could be addressed through patient education and encouragement.

Choice C rationale

The presence of peripheral pulses and full range of motion in both legs is expected and normal in a post-operative patient, unless there were complications during surgery that could affect these observations. Therefore, this information, while important, is not as critical as the patient’s pre-operative condition.

Choice D rationale

The condition of the patient’s abdomen (soft, bowel sounds absent) and the absence of bleeding on the dressing are expected observations in a patient who has undergone an exploratory laparotomy. These observations, while important, do not provide additional critical information that the PACU nurse should report.