A nurse is assessing the fontanels of an 8-month-old infant.
Which of the following findings should the nurse recognize as an expected finding?

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.

Choice A rationale:

Having the client exhale deeper than she inhales is a breathing technique that can help manage pain but does not specifically address the request for pain management techniques during natural childbirth. Option A does not provide comprehensive information about pain management strategies during labor.

Choice B rationale:

Providing information about the use of hydrotherapy during labor is a valid suggestion. Hydrotherapy, such as taking a warm bath or using a shower during labor, can help alleviate pain and promote relaxation. It is a non-pharmacological pain management option that the client can consider.

Choice C rationale:

Encouraging the client to have the family exit the room when the pain is unbearable may offer emotional support, but it does not provide a direct pain management technique. Additionally, the presence of loved ones can be a source of comfort for the client during labor.

Choice D rationale:

Informing the client that using pharmacological pain management will not impact the delivery is a true statement. Pharmacological pain relief methods, such as epidural anesthesia, do not affect the progress of labor or the outcome of delivery. However, this option does not provide an alternative pain management technique for the client who desires natural childbirth.