A nurse is preparing to administer three medications to a client who is receiving continuous enteral feeding through an NG tube.
Which of the following actions is appropriate for the nurse to take?

Choice A rationale:

Belching is a common finding following an esophagogastroduodenoscopy and is not a cause for concern unless it is excessive or accompanied by other concerning symptoms.

Choice B rationale:

(Correct Choice) Abdominal pain after an esophagogastroduodenoscopy can indicate complications such as perforation, bleeding, or infection. It is essential to report this finding to the provider promptly for further evaluation and management.

Choice C rationale:

Sore throat is a common and expected side effect after the procedure due to irritation from the endoscope. It usually resolves on its own and does not require immediate reporting unless it worsens or is associated with other concerning symptoms.

Choice D rationale:

Flatulence is not typically related to an esophagogastroduodenoscopy and is not a cause for concern in this context.

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.