A nurse is preparing regular and NPH insulin in the same syringe for a client who has diabetes mellitus.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

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. *.

Choice A rationale

A dosimeter is used to measure the amount of radiation exposure for the healthcare professional, not the client. It is a personal radiation-monitoring device that provides a record of an individual's accumulated dose of ionizing radiation. Attaching a dosimeter to the client's gown is an inappropriate intervention as the client is the source of the radiation, and the dosimeter is designed to protect the healthcare worker by monitoring their exposure.

Choice B rationale

Brachytherapy involves placing a radioactive source close to the tumor. To minimize the radiation exposure of others, a safe distance is maintained. A distance of at least 1 meter (3.3 feet) from the source of radiation is a standard safety measure for visitors and healthcare staff. This inverse square law principle of radiation safety dictates that intensity decreases with the square of the distance from the source, so increasing distance significantly reduces exposure.

Choice C rationale

When a client is undergoing brachytherapy, it is essential to limit the amount of time visitors spend in close proximity. The typical time limit for visitors is 30 minutes per day, not 2 hours. This is a crucial radiation safety measure that adheres to the principle of "Time, Distance, and Shielding.”. Limiting the time of exposure directly reduces the total radiation dose received by the visitor, thereby minimizing potential harm from the radiation source.

Choice D rationale

For a client undergoing brachytherapy, there is a risk that the radioactive implant could be dislodged and expelled from the body. Therefore, straining the client's urine is a critical intervention. This allows the nurse to inspect for and retrieve the implant if it has been inadvertently expelled, ensuring it is not lost and that appropriate safety protocols for handling radioactive materials are followed. This also prevents potential radiation exposure to others. *.