A nurse is caring for a client who has diabetes mellitus and is receiving long-acting daily insulin for blood glucose management.
The nurse should anticipate administering which of the following types of insulin?

Choice A rationale:

Checking the medical record for prior blood glucose test results is a task that can be delegated to the assistive personnel (AP). It provides relevant information for the nurse to assess the client's current condition. However, it is not the most crucial step in ensuring the safe performance of the blood glucose test.

Choice B rationale:

Asking the client if she has taken her antidiabetic medication today is important, but this task is better suited for the nurse, as it requires accurate communication with the client about their medication history and adherence. Delegating this task to the AP may lead to potential misunderstandings or errors in the information provided.

Choice C rationale:

The nurse should determine if the AP has the necessary skills and competence to perform the blood glucose test. Delegating tasks based on the competency of the staff member ensures the safety and well-being of the client. If the AP is not skilled in performing the test, the nurse should assign the task to someone else or perform the test personally.

Choice D rationale:

The nurse should not directly perform the blood glucose test if it can be safely delegated to the AP. Delegating appropriate tasks to competent staff members allows nurses to focus on more complex aspects of client care and ensures efficient use of resources within the healthcare team.