A nurse is attending a social event when another guest coughs weakly once, grasps his throat with his hands, and cannot talk. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A reason: Plan a plan of care for a client when postoperative from an appendectomy

Planning a plan of care for a client, especially postoperatively, is a complex task that requires comprehensive assessment and critical thinking skills. This responsibility typically falls within the scope of practice of a registered nurse (RN) rather than an LPN. The RN is trained to develop individualized care plans based on a thorough assessment of the client’s condition, medical history, and specific needs. This ensures that the care plan is holistic and addresses all aspects of the client’s recovery.

Choice B reason: Provide discharge instructions to a confused client’s spouse

Providing discharge instructions, particularly to a confused client’s spouse, involves detailed communication and education. This task is generally performed by an RN, who has the expertise to ensure that the instructions are clear, comprehensive, and tailored to the client’s specific needs. The RN can also assess the spouse’s understanding and provide additional clarification as needed. This ensures that the client receives appropriate care at home and reduces the risk of complications.

Choice C reason: Administer a tap-water enema to a client who is preoperative

Administering a tap-water enema is a task that can be safely delegated to an LPN. LPNs are trained to perform routine procedures such as enemas, which do not require the advanced assessment skills of an RN. This task involves following established protocols and ensuring the client’s comfort and safety during the procedure. By delegating this task to an LPN, the RN can focus on more complex aspects of client care.

Choice D reason: Clean vital signs from a client who is 6 hours postoperative

Obtaining and recording vital signs is a fundamental skill within the LPN’s scope of practice, as it involves routine data collection without interpretation or care‑planning decisions.

Choice E reason: Catheterize a client who has not voided in 8 hours

Catheterization is a procedure that LPNs are trained to perform. This task involves inserting a catheter to relieve urinary retention, which can be a common issue in postoperative clients. LPNs can perform this procedure safely and effectively, following established protocols to minimize the risk of infection and ensure the client’s comfort. Delegating this task to an LPN allows the RN to focus on other critical aspects of client care.

Choice A reason: While some women may start producing milk as early as 24 to 48 hours after delivery, this is not the typical timeframe for most women. The initial milk produced is colostrum, which is different from the mature milk that comes in later.

Choice B reason: For most women, breast milk “comes in” around 3 to 5 days postpartum. This period marks the transition from colostrum to mature milk, which is more abundant and nutritionally rich. During this time, mothers may experience breast engorgement and increased milk production.

Choice C reason:

Breast milk typically does not take about 10 days to come in. By this time, most women will have already transitioned to mature milk. If milk production has not started by this time, it may indicate a problem that requires medical attention.

Choice D reason:

The timeframe of 6 to 8 days is also not typical for the initial onset of mature milk production. Most women will have their milk come in within the first week postpartum.