A nurse is assigning tasks to an assistive personnel (AP). Which of the following tasks should the nurse assign to the AP?

Rationale:

A. Calcium: While calcium is important for many bodily functions, it is not a primary indicator for monitoring hepatic encephalopathy. Calcium imbalances do not directly correlate with the severity or management of this condition.

B. Potassium: Potassium levels are important for overall electrolyte balance, but they are not specific to hepatic encephalopathy. Monitoring potassium is part of routine care but does not indicate the progression or severity of encephalopathy.

C. Ammonia: Elevated ammonia levels are a key contributor to hepatic encephalopathy. The liver normally converts ammonia to urea, and when liver function is impaired, ammonia accumulates, affecting neurological function. Monitoring ammonia helps assess severity and guide treatment interventions.

D. Glucose: While glucose monitoring is important in general care, it is not specific to hepatic encephalopathy. Hyper- or hypoglycemia may occur with liver disease but does not directly reflect the presence or progression of encephalopathy.

Rationale:

A. Report the pump has a frayed cord and proceed with the infusion: Using a pump with a frayed cord is unsafe and poses a risk of electrical shock or malfunction. The pump should not be used until it is repaired or replaced, so proceeding with the infusion is inappropriate.

B. Check the expiration date on the safety inspection sticker of the pump: Verifying that the infusion pump has a current safety inspection ensures that the device has been tested and is functioning properly. This action is essential to prevent mechanical failure and maintain patient safety during IV therapy.

C. Obtain a surge protector that can accommodate the pump and several other appliances: Infusion pumps should be plugged directly into a properly grounded outlet to ensure consistent power and prevent electrical hazards. Connecting multiple devices through a surge protector can overload the circuit and compromise pump function.

D. Verify that the extension cord for the pump is ungrounded: Using an ungrounded extension cord increases the risk of electrical shock and device malfunction. Only properly grounded outlets and cords should be used with infusion pumps to maintain safety.