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

Choice A reason: Raising the head of the bed during transfer does not prioritize ergonomic principles. It may strain the nurse’s back or misalign the client, increasing injury risk. Ergonomics focuses on neutral spine alignment and mechanical aids to reduce physical strain during client transfers.
Choice B reason: Placing pillows under the head is a comfort measure, not an ergonomic principle. Ergonomics emphasizes reducing musculoskeletal strain through proper mechanics or devices. Pillows do not directly prevent nurse injuries, unlike transfer devices that minimize physical effort during client movement.
Choice C reason: Using a lateral transfer device, like a slide board, aligns with ergonomic principles by reducing manual lifting and spinal strain. It prevents back injuries, ensuring safe client transfer. This evidence-based practice supports occupational health guidelines, minimizing musculoskeletal risks for nurses during patient handling.
Choice D reason: Standing close during ambulation ensures client stability but is not a primary ergonomic principle. Ergonomics focuses on equipment and mechanics to reduce strain, not proximity, which addresses patient safety more than nurse injury prevention during transfers or repositioning tasks.

Choice A reason: Limiting potassium intake is dangerous with digoxin, as low potassium (hypokalemia) increases the risk of digoxin toxicity by enhancing drug binding to cardiac cells. Adequate potassium levels are critical for safe use, as digoxin affects cardiac contractility, making this instruction incorrect and potentially harmful.
Choice B reason: Repeating a digoxin dose if the child vomits within 1 hour is unsafe without medical consultation, as it risks overdose. Digoxin has a narrow therapeutic index, and toxicity can cause arrhythmias. Parents should contact the provider for guidance, making this instruction incorrect and dangerous.
Choice C reason: Adding digoxin to juice risks inaccurate dosing, as the child may not consume the full amount, leading to underdosing or toxicity if additional doses are given. Precise administration (e.g., via syringe) ensures correct dosing, critical for digoxin’s narrow therapeutic range, making this instruction inappropriate.
Choice D reason: Having the child drink water after digoxin ensures the dose is fully swallowed, preventing loss from spitting or incomplete ingestion. This supports accurate dosing, essential for digoxin’s safe use in heart failure, where it enhances cardiac output. This instruction is safe and effective, making it correct.