A nurse is assessing a group of clients at risk of developing a pressure injury. The nurse should identify that which of the following clients is at the greatest risk?

Rationale:

A. "This helps to keep you hydrated.": Flushing an intermittent infusion device does not hydrate the client, as the small amount of saline used is not intended for fluid replacement. Hydration is achieved through continuous or scheduled fluid administration, not flushes.

B. "This clears blood from the tubing and the catheter.": Flushing helps maintain catheter patency by preventing blood from clotting inside the lumen. It ensures the device remains functional and ready for medication administration when needed.

C. "This makes sure it stays sterile.": Flushing does not sterilize the device. Sterility is maintained through proper handling and use of aseptic technique. The purpose of flushing is mechanical, not antimicrobial.

D. "This prevents leakage of fluid and medication.": While flushing may help confirm that the device is intact, the primary reason is not to prevent leakage but to maintain patency and ensure the catheter is free of occlusions.

Rationale:

A. Encourage the client to discuss feelings of new eating patterns: This requires therapeutic communication and assessment skills, which are beyond the scope of assistive personnel. Such discussions should be initiated and guided by the nurse or mental health professionals.

B. Discuss measures to assist the client to develop a positive body image: Promoting positive self-image involves complex therapeutic techniques and individualized planning, which must be performed by licensed staff, not delegated to assistive personnel.

C. Consult the dietitian to determine the client's caloric intake: Contacting other members of the healthcare team for clinical collaboration is the nurse’s responsibility. This involves interpretation of data and coordination of care, which cannot be delegated.

D. Identify thoughts that reinforce disordered eating patterns: Recognizing cognitive distortions requires clinical judgment and is a core part of therapeutic nursing or psychological care. It cannot be delegated to assistive personnel.

E. Observe the client during meals: Assistive personnel can monitor the client while eating to help prevent purging behaviors. Meal observation is a standard component of bulimia nervosa management and does not require clinical decision-making, making it appropriate for delegation.

F. Accompany the client to the restroom following meals: Clients with bulimia may attempt to purge after eating, so monitoring them post-meal is critical. This task involves supervision rather than evaluation and is suitable for assistive personnel under nursing guidance.

G. Use cognitive behavioral techniques to address the client's behavior: CBT strategies are specialized interventions requiring advanced training, typically carried out by licensed nurses, therapists, or psychologists. These are not within the role of assistive personnel.

H. Check the client’s vital signs: Vital signs collection is a routine task that falls within the scope of assistive personnel when the client is stable. The nurse remains responsible for interpreting any abnormalities.

I. Perform daily weights: Weighing the client is a routine, objective measurement that does not require nursing judgment. It is appropriate to delegate this task as long as the AP follows the nurse’s instructions on timing and procedure.