A newly licensed nurse is having difficulty finishing client care tasks during their shift. Which of the following techniques should the nurse plan to use to assist with time management?

Answer: A. Apply light pressure to the inner canthus just after instilling the eye drops.

Rationale:

A) Apply light pressure to the inner canthus just after instilling the eye drops.
Applying pressure to the inner canthus (the corner of the eye nearest the nose) helps occlude the nasolacrimal duct. This action reduces the systemic absorption of the medication by preventing it from draining into the nasal passages and subsequently into the systemic circulation, thus enhancing the local effect of the eye drops.

B) Wipe the eye from the inner to the outer canthus with a sterile saline-moistened cotton ball.
While this action may help remove excess medication or discharge, it does not minimize systemic absorption. Instead, wiping the eye could inadvertently spread the medication to other areas, increasing the chance of absorption rather than reducing it.

C) Administer the medication drops directly into the lower conjunctival sac of each eye.
While placing drops in the lower conjunctival sac is a standard practice for delivering ophthalmic medications, it does not directly influence systemic absorption. The main goal is to ensure adequate dosing in the eye, but systemic absorption can still occur if the drops drain into the nasolacrimal duct.

D) Wait 5 min after instillation before instilling the drops in the other eye.
Waiting between instillations is good practice to prevent dilution of the first dose and to allow for absorption. However, this action does not significantly impact systemic absorption. It focuses more on ensuring that the first dose is effective before administering a second dose.

Delegating tasks involves assigning appropriate responsibilities to assistive personnel based on their level of training, competency, and scope of practice. Performing indwelling urinary catheter care is a task that can be safely delegated to an AP who has received proper training and demonstrated competency in this skill. The nurse should ensure that the AP is familiar with the facility's policies and procedures regarding catheter care and can perform the task safely and effectively.

Demonstrating how to use an incentive spirometer requires specialized knowledge and the ability to provide clear instructions. It is typically within the scope of practice of licensed healthcare professionals, such as nurses or respiratory therapists, who have the necessary expertise to properly educate and guide patients in using an incentive spirometer. This task should not be delegated to an AP.

Measuring and assessing the depth of a pressure injury requires clinical judgment and accurate evaluation, which falls within the scope of practice of a licensed nurse. It involves understanding wound assessment, proper technique for measuring depth, and interpreting the findings. This task should be performed by the nurse rather than an AP.

Changing the appliance on a new colostomy involves skills such as assessing the stoma, selecting the appropriate appliance, and ensuring proper application. This task requires specialized knowledge and training in stoma care, and it should be performed by a licensed nurse who has the expertise in managing ostomies. It should not be delegated to an AP.