A nurse is caring for residents at a long-term care facility following a tornado. Which of the following tasks should the nurse delegate to an assistive personnel?

A. Delegate low-skilled tasks to assistive personnel.

Delegating low-skilled tasks to assistive personnel is not consistent with the total patient care delivery method. In this model, the nurse assumes responsibility for providing comprehensive care to a smaller number of patients rather than delegating tasks to others. The nurse remains directly involved in all aspects of patient care, including assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation.

B. Receive cross-training in multiple departments

Receiving cross-training in multiple departments may be beneficial in some healthcare settings but is not a characteristic of the total patient care delivery method. This model focuses on nurses providing individualized care to a specific group of patients within their assigned unit. Cross-training in multiple departments would not align with this model, as it could lead to divided attention and potentially compromise the quality of care provided.

C. Perform a specific nursing task for a group of clients.

Performing a specific nursing task for a group of clients is not consistent with the total patient care delivery method. In this model, the nurse is responsible for providing comprehensive care to a smaller number of patients, rather than focusing on specific tasks for multiple patients. Each patient's care is individualized and encompasses all aspects of nursing care, not just specific tasks.

D. Provide complete care for a caseload of clients.

Providing complete care for a caseload of clients is characteristic of the total patient care delivery method. In this model, the nurse assumes responsibility for the holistic care of a smaller number of patients during each shift. This approach allows for continuity of care, fosters therapeutic nurse-patient relationships, and promotes better patient outcomes.

A) Recommend occupational therapy referral for the client: This is the priority action because the client is experiencing difficulty with activities of daily living (ADLs) due to left-sided weakness following a cerebrovascular accident. Occupational therapy focuses on improving the client's ability to perform ADLs and regain independence. Referring the client to occupational therapy is essential for maximizing functional ability and promoting recovery.

B) Reinforce teaching about the client's prescribed medications: While medication education is important for overall health management, it is not the priority in this situation. The client's immediate need is assistance with ADLs to address functional deficits resulting from the cerebrovascular accident.

C) Provide the client with a list of community resources: Community resources may be beneficial for the client's long-term care and support, but addressing the immediate need for assistance with ADLs takes precedence. Referring the client to occupational therapy will address the functional limitations more directly and effectively.

D) Encourage the client to discuss nutritional needs with a dietitian: Nutritional needs are important for overall health and recovery, but addressing the client's physical limitations and ADLs is the priority at this time. Once the client's ability to perform ADLs improves, discussions about nutrition can follow as part of a comprehensive care plan.