A nurse has just completed assessment charting on the electronic record for an assigned client. An assistive personnel (AP) who just measured the client's vital signs asks to chart them while the nurse is still logged into the record. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

The correct answer is: B.

Choice A reason:

Suctioning a client's long-term tracheostomy is a complex procedure that involves sterile technique and assessment skills that are beyond the scope of assistive personnel's practice. It requires clinical judgment and the ability to respond to complications, which are responsibilities typically reserved for licensed nursing staff.

Choice B reason:

Using a pain rating scale to monitor a client's pain level is a task that can be delegated to assistive personnel. It involves asking the client to rate their pain on a scale, which does not require clinical judgment or advanced skills. The assistive personnel can then report the pain level to the nurse, who will make decisions regarding pain management.

Choice C reason:

Performing a dressing change on a client's peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) is not within the scope of assistive personnel. This task requires aseptic technique and knowledge of PICC line management to prevent infection and other complications, which are typically the responsibility of the registered nurse or licensed practical nurse.

Choice D reason:

Instructing a client on self-administration of a tap water enema involves teaching and assessment to ensure the client understands and can perform the procedure safely. This is a task that requires licensed nursing knowledge and skills to educate the client and evaluate their competency.

Choice A reason: This is not the correct choice because training LPNs to reinforce teaching with clients using a standardized teaching plan is a possible solution, but not the first step. The nurse manager should first identify the root cause of the problem before implementing any interventions.

Choice B reason: This is not the correct choice because including documentation of client education as part of unit nurses' annual performance evaluation is a way to monitor and evaluate the staff's performance, but not a way to improve it. The nurse manager should first address the barriers and challenges that prevent the staff from documenting client education effectively.

Choice C reason: This is the correct choice because determining factors that interfere with the documentation of client education is the first step in the quality improvement process. The nurse manager should use data analysis, staff feedback, and observation to find out the reasons for the low documentation results, such as lack of time, knowledge, skills, or resources.

Choice D reason: This is not the correct choice because offering incentives for the staff once the unit's results are back in adherence with the benchmark is a way to motivate and reward the staff, but not a way to solve the problem. The nurse manager should first implement evidence-based strategies to improve the documentation of client education, such as providing education, feedback, and tools.