A nurse is planning care for a group of clients and is working with one licensed practical nurse (LPN) and one assistive personnel (AP). Which of the following actions should the nurse take first to manage her time effectively?

The correct answer is: b. Determine goals of the day.

Choice A: Schedule daily activities.

Rationale: Scheduling daily activities is crucial for time management but should follow establishing goals. The nurse must first determine the priorities and objectives for the day before organizing the tasks.

Choice B: Determine goals of the day.

Rationale: Identifying the goals of the day is the first step in effective time management for a nurse. This enables the nurse to prioritize patient care and other responsibilities, ensuring that essential tasks are accomplished and patient needs are met. Goals can include completing assessments, administering medications, and attending to patient concerns.

Choice C: Delegate tasks to the AP.

Rationale: Delegating tasks is vital in managing time and resources, but it should occur after the goals and priorities are determined. The nurse must first know which tasks need to be completed before assigning responsibilities to the LPN and AP.

Choice D: Develop an hourly time frame for tasks.

Rationale: Creating a timeline for tasks is essential for time management but should be done after setting goals and prioritizing tasks. This will enable the nurse to allocate an appropriate amount of time for each task and help ensure that all necessary tasks are completed within the shift.

In conclusion, by first determining the goals of the day, the nurse can effectively manage time and ensure that all essential tasks are completed. Prioritizing patient care and other responsibilities will enable the nurse to collaborate effectively with the LPN and AP in delegating tasks and scheduling activities.

Choice A rationale:

An angiocatheter is not appropriate for accessing an implanted venous access port. Angiocatheters are large-bore catheters designed for rapid fluid administration and are typically used for peripheral venous access. They are not suitable for accessing the small, specialized ports used for central venous access.

Choice B rationale:

A 25-gauge needle is too small for accessing an implanted venous access port. While smaller gauge needles are suitable for delicate procedures and patients with fragile veins, they might not provide adequate flow for certain therapies or blood draws. Accessing a port with a needle that is too small can lead to increased pressure, potentially damaging the port or causing discomfort to the patient.

Choice C rationale:

A butterfly needle is also not the best choice for accessing an implanted venous access port. Butterfly needles, also known as winged infusion sets, are commonly used for short-term peripheral venous access. They are not designed for accessing implanted ports, which require a noncoring needle for precise and safe access without damaging the port membrane.

Choice D rationale:

(Correct Choice) A noncoring needle, also known as a Huber needle, is the correct choice for accessing an implanted venous access port. Noncoring needles have a specially designed tip that creates a smaller puncture hole, reducing damage to the port membrane and minimizing patient discomfort. They are specifically designed for accessing ports and are the standard choice for this procedure.