A graduate nurse is reviewing information about the NCLEX exam on the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) website. Which of the following information should the nurse identify about the NCLEX exam?

Choice A reason: This task is unsafe to assign to an AP, as it requires clinical judgment and critical thinking skills that are beyond the scope of practice of an AP. A confused surgical client who has multiple tubes may be at risk of complications such as infection, bleeding, or dislodgement of the tubes. The nurse is responsible for monitoring the client's condition, assessing the tubes' function and placement, and intervening as needed.

Choice B reason: This task is safe to assign to an AP, as it does not involve direct client care or clinical decision making. Providing postmortem care for a client who has died involves preparing the body for transport, removing any tubes or devices, and ensuring respect and dignity for the deceased and their family. The nurse should supervise and instruct the AP on how to perform this task according to the facility's policies and procedures.

Choice C reason: This task is safe to assign to an AP, as it is part of the basic care and comfort activities that an AP can perform under the nurse's delegation. Assisting a client to eat who has difficulty seeing the foods on the tray involves helping the client identify the food items, cutting or opening them if needed, and encouraging adequate intake. The nurse should ensure that the client has no dietary restrictions or swallowing difficulties before assigning this task to the AP.

Choice D reason: This task is safe to assign to an AP, as it is a routine and noninvasive procedure that an AP can perform under the nurse's direction. Delivering a client’s urine specimen to the laboratory involves labeling the specimen container, placing it in a biohazard bag, and transporting it to the designated area. The nurse should provide the AP with clear instructions on how to collect and handle the specimen.

Choice A reason: This statement is incorrect because a rigid abdomen is not a common finding for a client who has had diarrhea for several days. A rigid abdomen may indicate peritonitis, which is an inflammation of the abdominal lining, usually caused by an infection or a perforation of an organ. A client with peritonitis may also have severe abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting.
Choice B reason: This statement is correct because dehydration is a common finding for a client who has had diarrhea for several days. Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in, which can happen with frequent and watery stools. A client with dehydration may also have dry mouth, thirst, decreased urine output, dark urine, low blood pressure, increased heart rate, and confusion.
Choice C reason: This statement is incorrect because hypothermia is not a common finding for a client who has had diarrhea for several days. Hypothermia occurs when the body temperature drops below 35°C (95°F), usually due to exposure to cold environments or inadequate clothing. A client with hypothermia may also have shivering, slow breathing, slow pulse, drowsiness, and loss of consciousness.
Choice D reason: This statement is incorrect because decreased bowel sounds are not a common finding for a client who has had diarrhea for several days. Decreased bowel sounds may indicate ileus, which is a temporary paralysis of the intestinal movement, usually caused by surgery, medication, or inflammation. A client with ileus may also have abdominal distension, constipation, nausea, and vomiting.