A nurse is educating a group of pregnant women about neural tube defects.
Which of the following conditions should the nurse mention as an example of a neural tube defect?

Choice A rationale

Returning the platelet bag and tubing to the blood bank is not the immediate action to take when a client reports having lower back pain and feeling chilled and itchy during a PRBC transfusion. These symptoms could indicate a transfusion reaction, which is a serious complication that requires immediate intervention.

Choice B rationale

Stopping the infusion is the first action the nurse should take when a client reports symptoms of a transfusion reaction. This is because continuing the transfusion could worsen the reaction and potentially lead to more serious complications.

Choice C rationale

While notifying the provider is an important step in managing a transfusion reaction, it is not the first action the nurse should take. The nurse should first stop the infusion to prevent further exposure to the blood product.

Choice D rationale

Collecting a urine sample from the client is not the immediate action to take when a client reports having lower back pain and feeling chilled and itchy during a PRBC transfusion. These symptoms could indicate a transfusion reaction, which requires immediate intervention.

Choice A rationale

The task of recording strict nutritional content is within the scope of practice for an assistive personnel (AP). The AP can keep track of the client’s food and fluid intake and report this information to the nurse. This is important in this case as the client has not been eating and the provider has prescribed a regular tray with finger foods at each meal. The nurse can then use this information to assess the client’s nutritional status and make necessary adjustments to the care plan.

Choice B rationale

Administering medication, such as memantine, is not within the scope of practice for an AP. This task requires knowledge and skills related to pharmacology, assessment, and evaluation that are beyond the training of an AP. Therefore, this task should be performed by a licensed nurse.

Choice C rationale

Performing neurological checks is also not within the scope of practice for an AP. These checks involve assessing the client’s level of consciousness, orientation, and neurological function, which require advanced assessment skills. Therefore, this task should be performed by a licensed nurse.

Choice D rationale

Continuing the bowel training program could potentially be within the scope of practice for an AP, depending on the specific tasks involved. However, in this case, the family member has reported that the client is having more difficulty staying focused, which suggests that the bowel training program may need to be adjusted. This requires nursing judgment and therefore should be performed by a licensed nurse.