A nurse is collecting data on a client who has respiratory alkalosis. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A. Helping the client into the shower: This task can be safely delegated to an assistive personnel (AP). The AP can help the client with activities of daily living such as showering, as long as the client is stable and does not require close monitoring.

B. Ambulating the client in the hallway: This task can also be delegated to an AP. Assisting with ambulation is within the scope of practice for an AP, provided the client is stable and there are no specific concerns that require a nurse’s assessment.

C. Measuring vital signs: While measuring vital signs is a critical task, it can be delegated to an AP. The AP can be trained to accurately measure and report vital signs. However, the nurse should review and interpret the results.

D. Removing the sternal dressing: This is the correct answer. Removing a sternal dressing after cardiac surgery is a complex task that requires a nurse’s expertise2. The nurse needs to assess the surgical site for signs of infection or complications, which is beyond the scope of practice for an AP. Therefore, this task should not be delegated and should be performed by the nurse herself

A. A critical pathway for clients who have had a stroke:
Critical pathways are structured multidisciplinary care plans that outline essential steps in the care of patients with specific conditions. While critical pathways are valuable tools for standardized care, they are not specifically focused on health promotion activities for clients with hypertension.

B. Standards of care for monitoring clients who have a history of blood pressure elevation:
Standards of care typically outline the minimum level of care that should be provided to clients based on evidence-based practice. While monitoring clients with a history of blood pressure elevation is important, it does not encompass the comprehensive health promotion activities related to hypertension.

C. Acute care facility protocols for clients experiencing an abrupt change in mental status:
Acute care facility protocols are designed to guide the management of acute changes in a patient's condition. While relevant to patient care, these protocols do not specifically address health promotion activities for clients with hypertension.

D. Clinical practice guidelines for the management of high blood pressure:
Clinical practice guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for the management of specific health conditions. They typically include information on health promotion activities, risk factor modification, lifestyle interventions, and pharmacological management for clients with hypertension. Therefore, clinical practice guidelines are the most appropriate resource for information on health promotion activities for clients with hypertension.