A nurse is delegating tasks for an assistive personnel (AP) to perform for a client who is 1-day postoperative following cardiac surgery. Which of the following tasks should the nurse perform herself?
Helping the client into the shower
Ambulating the client in the hallway
Measuring vital signs
Removing the sternal dressing
The Correct Answer is D
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
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Acute respiratory acidosis occurs when there is inadequate excretion of carbon dioxide due to respiratory dysfunction, leading to an increase in carbon dioxide levels (hypercapnia) and subsequent acidosis (decrease in pH).
Manifestations of acute respiratory acidosis include:
A. Circumoral numbness and tingling - This is associated with respiratory alkalosis, not acidosis. B. Muscle flaccidity - This is more commonly seen in hyperkalemia or conditions affecting neuromuscular transmission. C. Decreased level of consciousness - This is a key manifestation of acute respiratory acidosis due to the effects of hypercapnia on the central nervous system. D. Cool, clammy skin - This is not typically associated with acute respiratory acidosis; instead, it might be seen in shock or hypoperfusion states.
Therefore, the nurse should expect to find a decreased level of consciousness in a client experiencing acute respiratory acidosis.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Provide educational material written at an eighth-grade reading level: This is correct. Health education materials should be written at a level that is easily understandable by the majority of patients. An eighth-grade reading level is often recommended to ensure that the information is accessible to a wide range of patients.
B. Ensure privacy for the client: This is also correct. Privacy is a fundamental right of all patients and is particularly important when discussing sensitive topics such as preoperative care. Ensuring privacy can help the patient feel more comfortable and facilitate open communication.
C. Start with the least important information: This is not recommended. When providing education, it’s generally best to start with the most important information. Patients may be anxious or overwhelmed, and they may not remember everything that is discussed. By starting with the most important information, you increase the chances that the patient will remember and understand the key points.
D. Dim the lights in the client’s room: While creating a comfortable environment is important, dimming the lights is not specifically related to preoperative teaching. The focus should be on providing clear, understandable information and addressing the patient’s questions and concerns.
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