A nurse is caring for a group of clients and identifying what tasks she can delegate to an assistive personnel (AP). Which of the following tasks should the nurse delegate to an AP?

Choice A rationale

A dosimeter is used to measure the amount of radiation exposure for the healthcare professional, not the client. It is a personal radiation-monitoring device that provides a record of an individual's accumulated dose of ionizing radiation. Attaching a dosimeter to the client's gown is an inappropriate intervention as the client is the source of the radiation, and the dosimeter is designed to protect the healthcare worker by monitoring their exposure.

Choice B rationale

Brachytherapy involves placing a radioactive source close to the tumor. To minimize the radiation exposure of others, a safe distance is maintained. A distance of at least 1 meter (3.3 feet) from the source of radiation is a standard safety measure for visitors and healthcare staff. This inverse square law principle of radiation safety dictates that intensity decreases with the square of the distance from the source, so increasing distance significantly reduces exposure.

Choice C rationale

When a client is undergoing brachytherapy, it is essential to limit the amount of time visitors spend in close proximity. The typical time limit for visitors is 30 minutes per day, not 2 hours. This is a crucial radiation safety measure that adheres to the principle of "Time, Distance, and Shielding.”. Limiting the time of exposure directly reduces the total radiation dose received by the visitor, thereby minimizing potential harm from the radiation source.

Choice D rationale

For a client undergoing brachytherapy, there is a risk that the radioactive implant could be dislodged and expelled from the body. Therefore, straining the client's urine is a critical intervention. This allows the nurse to inspect for and retrieve the implant if it has been inadvertently expelled, ensuring it is not lost and that appropriate safety protocols for handling radioactive materials are followed. This also prevents potential radiation exposure to others. *.

Choice A rationale

Administering a suppository is considered a medication administration task, which requires a licensed nurse to perform. This task involves critical thinking and a solid understanding of anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology, as well as the potential for adverse reactions. Therefore, this cannot be delegated to an assistive personnel (AP), whose scope of practice does not include medication administration.

Choice B rationale

Providing home care instructions is part of client education, which is a key responsibility of a licensed nurse. This task requires a thorough understanding of the client's condition, treatment plan, and the ability to assess their learning needs. An AP is not trained to assess, plan, or implement teaching plans for clients, so this task is outside their scope of practice.

Choice C rationale

Suctioning a newly inserted tracheostomy is a skilled and invasive procedure that carries a high risk of complications, such as hypoxemia, trauma, or infection. This procedure requires a nurse's professional judgment and a clear understanding of sterile technique. The AP's role is to provide basic care, not to perform such complex and high-risk procedures.

Choice D rationale

Performing rescue breathing, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), is an emergency procedure that falls within the scope of an AP's training. All healthcare workers, including APs, are required to have a basic life support certification. In a medical emergency, every staff member is expected to perform basic life-saving measures, such as rescue breathing, to prevent further client harm. *.