A nurse is caring for four clients. Which of the following tasks should the nurse delegate to an assistive personnel (AP)?

Choice A rationale:

Taking corrective measures to enforce hand hygiene should not be the first step. It is important to establish a baseline and understand the current situation through data collection and analysis before implementing corrective measures.

Choice B rationale:

Establishing methods for collecting data within the facility is a crucial first step. Gathering information about the current hand hygiene practices, compliance rates, and areas of improvement is essential for the audit process. Data collection provides a factual basis for identifying problems and implementing targeted interventions.

Choice C rationale:

Comparing the facility's data with the established criteria for hand hygiene is a subsequent step after data collection. This step helps in evaluating the current practices against the accepted standards and guidelines. However, it is not the first step in the audit process.

Choice D rationale:

Determining the accepted standards for hand hygiene is an essential first step. It involves researching and understanding the national and international guidelines, protocols, and recommendations related to hand hygiene. Knowing the standards helps the task force establish a benchmark against which the facility's practices can be evaluated. It provides a foundation for data collection and subsequent analysis.

Choice A rationale:

Using isopropyl alcohol to clean hearing aids is not recommended. Isopropyl alcohol can damage the hearing aid components, especially the plastic parts. It is essential to use cleaning solutions specifically designed for hearing aids to avoid damaging them. Including this statement indicates a misunderstanding of proper hearing aid care.

Choice B rationale:

Replacing the batteries every 2 weeks is a standard recommendation for hearing aid users. Hearing aid batteries typically last 1 to 2 weeks, depending on usage. Regular battery replacement ensures the hearing aids continue to function optimally. This statement demonstrates an understanding of the basic care required for behind-the-ear hearing aids.

Choice C rationale:

Cleaning the ear with cotton swabs before inserting hearing aids is not advisable. Cotton swabs can push earwax further into the ear canal, leading to impaction. Excessive earwax can interfere with hearing aid function. Instead, clients should be encouraged to clean the outer parts of the hearing aids and avoid inserting any objects, including cotton swabs, into the ear canal.

Choice D rationale:

Disconnecting the battery when removing hearing aids is the correct practice. By disconnecting the battery, the client ensures that the hearing aids are turned off, preserving battery life and preventing unnecessary drainage. This statement indicates an understanding of proper hearing aid care and demonstrates the client's ability to maintain the device effectively.