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?
Insert an indwelling catheter if the client has not voided in 3 hr.
Obtain the abdominal girth now and every 4 hr.
Assess and document the level of consciousness every hour.
Measure the amount of gastric drainage every 2 hr.
None
None
The Correct Answer is D
A. Inserting an indwelling catheter involves an invasive procedure and assessment of urinary output and client status, which falls within the RN’s scope of practice in a high-risk client such as one with acute liver failure.
B. Obtaining abdominal girth requires assessment skills and interpretation for changes in ascites, which is more appropriate for the RN to ensure accurate monitoring.
C. Assessing and documenting level of consciousness is a critical assessment, especially in liver failure where hepatic encephalopathy is a risk. This is within the RN’s responsibility because changes can be subtle and require immediate intervention.
D. Measuring the amount of gastric drainage every 2 hours is a stable, routine task that follows established parameters and does not require advanced assessment skills. It is within the LPN’s scope and can be safely delegated, with the RN overseeing interpretation of any abnormal findings.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Holding the newborn in an en face position: This action promotes bonding between the mother and the newborn and is a positive interaction.
B. Asking the father to change the newborn's diaper: Involving the father in caregiving tasks fosters family involvement and bonding.
C. Viewing the newborn's actions to be uncooperative: This suggests a negative perception of the newborn's behavior, which could indicate potential issues with bonding or misunderstanding
infant cues, requiring the nurse's intervention.
D. Requesting the nurse take the newborn to the nursery so she can rest: While rest is important for the mother, separating the newborn from the mother could disrupt bonding and breastfeeding, so this action should be discussed further with the client to explore other options.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Insert an indwelling catheter if the client has not voided in 3 hr: This task is within the LPN’s scope of practice, including sterile procedures such as catheterization. The RN retains the responsibility to evaluate the client’s overall status but may direct the LPN to insert a catheter under specific conditions.
B. Obtain the abdominal girth now and every 4 hr: This is a non-sterile, routine measurement and would be more appropriately assigned to assistive personnel rather than an LPN.
C. Assess and document the level of consciousness every hour: Assessment of neurological status requires RN-level clinical judgment, particularly in clients at risk for hepatic encephalopathy.
D. Measure the amount of gastric drainage every 2 hr: Although within an LPN’s scope, this task is repetitive and routine and may be more appropriate for assistive personnel under supervision.
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