A nurse delegates tasks to a licensed practical nurse (LPN) and an assistive personnel (AP).
When admitting a client who is experiencing acute liver failure and who has ascites and an NG tube, which of the following tasks is most appropriate for the nurse to delegate to the LPN?

A. Constipation: While constipation can be uncomfortable, it is not typically considered an immediate threat to a patient's health in a cardiac unit setting. It requires assessment and intervention but is not the highest priority.

B. Indigestion can be a subtle symptom of myocardial infarction (MI) or acute coronary syndrome (ACS), particularly in older adults, women, or clients with diabetes. Clients experiencing "indigestion" may be describing chest discomfort, which requires immediate assessment to rule out a cardiac event. Early identification and intervention for cardiac symptoms are critical to prevent further complications.

C. Swollen ankles can indicate fluid retention, which is a common sign of heart failure. While this symptom requires attention, it does not typically indicate an immediate life-threatening issue compared to potential cardiac ischemia associated with "indigestion."

D. Urinary frequency: This could be related to medications or other conditions. While it should be addressed, it is not the most critical issue compared to potential acute cardiac symptoms.

The nurse should first administer the client's cefazolinto the client's IV access

Rationale:

Cefazolin is an antibiotic prescribed to treat the client's suspected infection indicated by the fever and hip surgical wound inflammation. Administering the antibiotic promptly is essential to initiate treatment and address the underlying cause of the fever. The prescription specifies administering cefazolin intravenously, so the nurse should prioritize administering it through the client's IV access. Administering acetaminophen or alprazolam may be appropriate based on the client's symptoms and vital signs, but addressing the infection with antibiotics takes precedence.