A nurse is assessing a client who is postoperative and has a history of pulmonary embolism.
Which of the following findings is the priority for the nurse to report to the provider?

The correct answer is choiceA. Lift the penis so that it is perpendicular to the client’s body.

Choice A rationale:

Lifting the penis so that it is perpendicular to the client’s body straightens the urethra, making it easier to insert the catheter without causing trauma.

Choice B rationale:

While cleansing the tip of the penis in a circular motion is important for maintaining aseptic technique, it is not the specific action that facilitates the insertion of the catheter.

Choice C rationale:

Picking up the catheter 13 cm (5 in) from its tip is not a standard practice.The nurse should hold the catheter closer to the tip to maintain control and ensure accurate insertion.

Choice D rationale:

Inflating the catheter balloon before insertion can cause trauma to the urethra and is not recommended.The balloon should only be inflated once the catheter is correctly positioned in the bladder.

The correct answer is: b. Determine goals of the day.

Choice A: Schedule daily activities.

Rationale: Scheduling daily activities is crucial for time management but should follow establishing goals. The nurse must first determine the priorities and objectives for the day before organizing the tasks.

Choice B: Determine goals of the day.

Rationale: Identifying the goals of the day is the first step in effective time management for a nurse. This enables the nurse to prioritize patient care and other responsibilities, ensuring that essential tasks are accomplished and patient needs are met. Goals can include completing assessments, administering medications, and attending to patient concerns.

Choice C: Delegate tasks to the AP.

Rationale: Delegating tasks is vital in managing time and resources, but it should occur after the goals and priorities are determined. The nurse must first know which tasks need to be completed before assigning responsibilities to the LPN and AP.

Choice D: Develop an hourly time frame for tasks.

Rationale: Creating a timeline for tasks is essential for time management but should be done after setting goals and prioritizing tasks. This will enable the nurse to allocate an appropriate amount of time for each task and help ensure that all necessary tasks are completed within the shift.

In conclusion, by first determining the goals of the day, the nurse can effectively manage time and ensure that all essential tasks are completed. Prioritizing patient care and other responsibilities will enable the nurse to collaborate effectively with the LPN and AP in delegating tasks and scheduling activities.