A nurse is planning assignments for the upcoming shift.
Which of the following tasks should the nurse delegate to an assistive personnel?
Obtain a client's vital signs every 4 hours.
Record a client's intake after each meal.
Transfer a client to physical therapy.
Insert an NG tube for a client who requires enteral feedings.
Correct Answer : A,B,C
Choice A rationale
Obtaining a client's vital signs is a routine, non-invasive procedure that can be safely delegated to an assistive personnel (AP). The AP is trained to measure and record objective data such as temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure. The nurse is responsible for interpreting the data and assessing for any abnormal findings, but the data collection itself falls within the scope of practice for an AP. This allows the nurse to focus on more complex tasks.
Choice B rationale
Recording a client's intake after each meal is a task focused on data collection and falls within the scope of practice for an assistive personnel (AP). The AP can accurately measure and document the quantity of food and fluids consumed by the client. The nurse is then responsible for analyzing this data to monitor the client's nutritional status and fluid balance, and to identify any potential complications, such as dehydration or malnutrition. This is a routine, non-complex task.
Choice C rationale
Transferring a client is a routine activity of daily living that an assistive personnel (AP) is trained to perform. It involves moving a client safely from one location to another, such as from the bed to a chair or to physical therapy. The AP is taught proper body mechanics and client transfer techniques to prevent injury to both the client and themselves. The nurse would provide supervision and assess the client's mobility status before the transfer.
Choice D rationale
Inserting an NG tube is an invasive procedure that requires advanced knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and sterile technique. It carries a risk of complications, such as aspiration or incorrect tube placement. Therefore, this task is outside the scope of practice for an assistive personnel and must be performed by a licensed nurse or other qualified healthcare professional. The nurse is responsible for confirming tube placement and monitoring for adverse effects.
Choice E rationale
Instructing a client on the use of an incentive spirometer involves client education, which is a key component of the nursing process. The nurse must assess the client's learning needs, provide accurate and safe instructions, and evaluate the client's understanding and ability to perform the technique correctly. This cognitive and educational task requires the critical thinking skills of a licensed nurse and cannot be delegated to an assistive personnel. *.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Asking about the content of the voices helps the nurse assess for command hallucinations, which can pose a safety risk to the client or others. This open-ended question encourages the client to elaborate, providing crucial information about the severity, nature, and potential danger of the auditory stimuli, which is the primary goal of the assessment.
Choice B rationale
This question is counterproductive because it asks for a causal explanation that the client, due to their altered neurochemical state, cannot provide. It can also be perceived as challenging the reality of the client's experience, which invalidates their feelings and can damage the therapeutic relationship. This is not a therapeutic approach.
Choice C rationale
This redirects the conversation away from the client's immediate distress and the core issue of their hallucinations. While therapy is part of treatment, it may not be appropriate at this moment of crisis. The nurse’s priority is to first assess the immediate risk and support the client's immediate needs, before introducing another activity.
Choice D rationale
Asking about medication adherence can be perceived as accusatory and may cause the client to become defensive. While medication non-adherence can contribute to symptom exacerbation, the immediate priority is to assess the current risk level posed by the hallucinations, not to lecture the client about medication. This question is not therapeutic.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Documenting a summary of data at the change of shift is a critical component of interprofessional communication, ensuring continuity of care. However, initial charting should be done promptly after data collection to maintain accuracy and prevent errors. Delaying documentation can lead to misinterpretation or omission of crucial information regarding the client's condition and needs. This practice ensures all members of the healthcare team are informed.
Choice B rationale
Noting whether a client has a living will is a fundamental ethical and legal obligation. This advance directive provides a written expression of a client’s wishes regarding medical treatment, which must be respected and documented in the medical record. It guides the healthcare team's decisions and ensures that the client's autonomy and right to self-determination are upheld.
Choice C rationale
Evaluation is the final step of the nursing process, following assessment, diagnosis, planning, and implementation. The nurse must first collect objective and subjective data, then analyze it before determining an appropriate plan of care. Beginning with an evaluation would bypass the essential steps of data collection and analysis, leading to an inaccurate or unsafe plan of care.
Choice D rationale
While assistive personnel can collect vital signs, the nurse is professionally and legally responsible for the data's accuracy and interpretation. The nurse must verify the data, analyze trends, and ensure it is documented accurately and promptly. The nurse is ultimately accountable for any actions taken based on this data, making proper documentation and validation essential.
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