A nurse is conducting an occupational risk assessment on a client. The client works as an insulation installer. Which of the following questions should the nurse ask the client?

A. Updating a family member on a client's condition following surgery: Communicating clinical information and updates to family members requires professional nursing judgment and understanding of the client’s status. This task cannot be delegated to assistive personnel because it involves interpretation of medical information and legal responsibility.

B. Observing a client's abdominal laceration for indications of infection: Assessment of wounds for signs of infection requires professional knowledge and clinical judgment to identify subtle changes and make appropriate care decisions. This task must be performed by a licensed nurse and cannot be delegated to assistive personnel.

C. Instructing a client about the use of an incentive spirometer: Teaching a client involves providing information, evaluating understanding, and demonstrating correct technique. This requires nursing knowledge and judgment, making it inappropriate to delegate to assistive personnel.

D. Documenting the amount of drainage from a client's NG tube: Measuring and recording output from an NG tube is a routine, non-invasive task that does not require clinical judgment. This task can be safely delegated to assistive personnel as long as they follow proper procedures and report abnormal findings to the nurse.

A. Use a 3 mL syringe to flush the catheter: Small syringes (3 mL) create high pressure that can damage the lumen of a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC). Larger syringes, typically 10 mL or greater, are recommended to safely flush and maintain catheter integrity.

B. Cleanse the port with povidone-iodine prior to obtaining the specimen: Current guidelines recommend using an alcohol-based antiseptic (e.g., 70% isopropyl alcohol) rather than povidone-iodine for cleaning catheter hubs due to faster action and reduced contamination risk.

C. Flush with 20 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride after obtaining the blood sample: While flushing is required, the volume depends on the protocol and whether blood was drawn for lab testing. Immediate flushing with 10 mL is often sufficient; 20 mL may be excessive unless the protocol specifies.

D. Instruct the client to perform the Valsalva maneuver during the blood draw: Performing the Valsalva maneuver increases intrathoracic pressure and reduces the risk of air embolism when accessing a central line. This is a recommended safety measure during blood draws from PICC lines.