A nurse is making assignments for staff on an inpatient unit. Which of the following tasks can a nurse legally delegate to assistive personnel?

Rationale for Correct Choices:

• Serotonin syndrome: The client’s symptoms recent SSRI dose increase indicate possible serotonin toxicity. Serotonin syndrome occurs when excessive serotonin accumulates in the body, typically following dose escalation or interaction between serotonergic medications. It is a medical emergency that can progress to seizures or death if not promptly identified and treated.

• Adverse effects of paroxetine: The increase in paroxetine dosage one week prior likely triggered excessive serotonergic activity. Paroxetine, an SSRI, elevates serotonin levels, and dose escalation can precipitate serotonin syndrome.

Rationale for Incorrect Choices:

• Generalized anxiety disorder: Although the client has a history of anxiety, the acute onset of fever, disorientation, and autonomic instability points to a physiological reaction rather than worsening anxiety. Anxiety may cause restlessness but does not produce hyperthermia or confusion.

• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome: This condition is associated with antipsychotic drugs, not SSRIs like paroxetine. While both syndromes can present with fever and altered mental status, the client’s medication profile and timing support serotonin toxicity instead.

• Feelings of hopelessness: Although ongoing hopelessness is part of the client’s depression, it does not explain the acute physical manifestations. Emotional symptoms may persist with depression, but fever and disorientation indicate a pharmacologic rather than psychological cause.

• Anxiety: Anxiety alone cannot account for the client’s fever, disorientation, or abdominal pain. These findings suggest a systemic reaction consistent with serotonin excess, not a purely psychological state.

Rationale:
A. "Supplement breastfeedings with water every 12 hours.": Breastfed infants do not require water supplementation because breast milk provides adequate hydration. Giving water can reduce milk intake, interfere with nutrition, and increase the risk of electrolyte imbalance.

B. "Limit the time your infant feeds to 10 minutes on each breast.": Feeding duration should be guided by the infant’s cues rather than a strict time limit. Limiting feeds can prevent the infant from receiving the hindmilk, which is richer in fat and essential for growth.

C. "Begin each feeding using the same breast.": Alternating the starting breast for each feeding helps ensure equal stimulation and milk production in both breasts. Starting with the same breast consistently may lead to uneven milk supply.

D. "Offer your infant the breast when he shows signs of hunger.": Responsive, cue-based feeding supports adequate nutrition, growth, and bonding. Feeding on demand—such as rooting, sucking on hands, or fussiness—helps establish and maintain milk supply and meets the infant’s needs effectively.