A nurse is collecting data from a client who has had major depressive disorder for 5 years. Which of the following statements made by the client should the nurse identify as a covert statement regarding suicide?

Rationale:

A. Case manager: Case managers coordinate resources and support services for clients, including assistance with financial concerns and access to programs that provide free or low-cost baby formula. They are the best resource to help the client navigate community aid and social services.

B. Primary care provider: While the primary care provider manages the client’s overall health, they are not typically responsible for connecting clients with financial assistance programs related to infant feeding.

C. Nutritionist: Nutritionists provide dietary advice and education but generally do not address financial barriers or resource allocation for obtaining formula.

D. Pediatric nurse practitioner: Pediatric nurse practitioners focus on the infant’s health and development and may provide feeding guidance, but addressing the client’s financial inability to pay for formula falls outside their primary role.

Rationale:

A. Reinforce client teaching about walking with crutches: Teaching or reinforcing client education is a nursing responsibility and should not be delegated to assistive personnel. It requires assessment, evaluation, and knowledge of the client's learning needs and physical limitations.

B. Plan care for a client who has dysphagia: Care planning involves critical thinking and individualized assessment, which fall under the registered nurse’s scope of practice. Dysphagia management also requires knowledge of aspiration risk and appropriate interventions.

C. Transfer a client who is receiving radiation therapy to radiology: Transferring stable clients to departments such as radiology is within the scope of assistive personnel, as long as the client does not require specialized monitoring or assessment during the transfer.

D. Record urine output for a client who has a suprapubic catheter: Measuring and documenting urinary output is a routine task that assistive personnel can perform. The catheter type does not affect the ability to carry out this basic observation.

E. Measure vital signs for a client who requires contact precautions: Assistive personnel are trained to take vital signs and follow isolation protocols. Measuring vital signs under contact precautions is appropriate as long as proper PPE and hygiene practices are followed.