A nurse is assisting with discharge planning for a client who has a sacral pressure injury and has a prescription for daily dressing changes. Which of the following resource referrals should the nurse anticipate from the provider for this client?

Choice A reason: Irrigating and performing a dressing change for a client who has a pressure injury wound is not a task that the nurse should delegate to an AP. This task requires the nurse's clinical judgment, skill, and knowledge to assess the wound, select the appropriate dressing, and prevent infection. This task is also within the nurse's scope of practice, but not the AP's scope of practice.

Choice B reason: Administering oral PRN pain medication to a client who has arthritis is not a task that the nurse should delegate to an AP. This task involves the nurse's responsibility to evaluate the client's pain level, determine the need and the dosage of the medication, and monitor the client's response and side effects. This task is also within the nurse's scope of practice, but not the AP's scope of practice.

Choice C reason: Obtaining a daily weight on a client who has heart failure is a task that the nurse can delegate to an AP. This task is a routine and standardized procedure that does not require the nurse's clinical judgment, skill, or knowledge. This task is also within the AP's scope of practice, if the nurse provides clear directions and supervision.

Choice D reason: Reinforcing teaching the use of an incentive spirometer to a postoperative client is not a task that the nurse should delegate to an AP. This task involves the nurse's role to educate the client about the purpose, benefits, and technique of using the incentive spirometer, and to evaluate the client's understanding and compliance. This task is also within the nurse's scope of practice, but not the AP's scope of practice.

Choice A reason: Planning time for disruptions is a time management strategy, as it allows the nurse to anticipate and cope with unexpected events that may interfere with their schedule. By allocating some buffer time for potential delays, emergencies, or interruptions, the nurse can avoid stress and maintain their productivity.

Choice B reason: Offering to complete another nurse’s task is not a time management strategy, but rather a sign of poor boundary setting. While helping others is commendable, the nurse should not take on more responsibilities than they can handle, as this may compromise their own work quality and wellbeing. The nurse should learn to say no politely and focus on their own priorities.

Choice C reason: Skipping a meal break to catch up on charting is not a time management strategy, but rather a counterproductive habit. Taking regular breaks is essential for the nurse to replenish their energy, reduce fatigue, and prevent burnout. Skipping breaks may impair the nurse’s concentration, memory, and decision-making, and increase the risk of errors.

Choice D reason: Completing the easiest tasks first is not a time management strategy, but rather a form of procrastination. The nurse should prioritize their tasks based on their importance and urgency, not their difficulty or preference. Completing the easiest tasks first may create a false sense of accomplishment, while leaving the most critical or challenging tasks for later, when the nurse may have less time or motivation.