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
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Root cause analysis:
Root cause analysis is a method used to identify the underlying causes of adverse events or errors. While it is important for quality improvement and risk management, it does not specifically involve using research and scientific data to guide clinical decision-making in client care.
B. Evidence-based practice:
Evidence-based practice (EBP) involves integrating the best available evidence from research studies with clinical expertise and patient preferences to guide decision-making in client care. By utilizing research and scientific data, nurses can identify effective interventions and strategies to improve client outcomes.
C. Benchmarking:
Benchmarking involves comparing performance metrics or outcomes against standards or best practices. While benchmarking can inform quality improvement efforts, it does not directly involve using research and scientific data to guide clinical decision-making.
D. Standardization:
Standardization involves implementing consistent processes or protocols to improve quality and safety. While standardization is important for ensuring consistency in care delivery, it does not necessarily rely on research and scientific data to inform clinical decision-making as evidence-based practice does.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Atropine:
Atropine is a medication used to increase heart rate. It acts by blocking the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to increased heart rate. It is commonly used to treat bradycardia, which is characterized by a heart rate less than 60 beats per minute. In this scenario, with the client's apical heart rate at 49/min, indicating bradycardia, the nurse should prepare to administer atropine to increase the heart rate.
B) Verapamil:
Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker that can decrease heart rate. It is used to treat various cardiac conditions, but it is not appropriate for a client with bradycardia, as it would further lower the heart rate.
C) Digoxin:
Digoxin is a medication used to treat heart failure and certain arrhythmias, but it does not directly increase heart rate. In fact, it can exacerbate bradycardia in some cases.
D) Carvedilol:
Carvedilol is a beta-blocker that can decrease heart rate. It is used to treat hypertension, heart failure, and other cardiovascular conditions, but it is not appropriate for a client with bradycardia, as it would further lower the heart rate.
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