A nurse is preparing to delegate tasks to an assistive personnel (AP). The nurse should identify which of the following as one of the five rights of delegation?

Choice A reason: This statement is incorrect because a rigid abdomen is not a common finding for a client who has had diarrhea for several days. A rigid abdomen may indicate peritonitis, which is an inflammation of the abdominal lining, usually caused by an infection or a perforation of an organ. A client with peritonitis may also have severe abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting.
Choice B reason: This statement is correct because dehydration is a common finding for a client who has had diarrhea for several days. Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in, which can happen with frequent and watery stools. A client with dehydration may also have dry mouth, thirst, decreased urine output, dark urine, low blood pressure, increased heart rate, and confusion.
Choice C reason: This statement is incorrect because hypothermia is not a common finding for a client who has had diarrhea for several days. Hypothermia occurs when the body temperature drops below 35°C (95°F), usually due to exposure to cold environments or inadequate clothing. A client with hypothermia may also have shivering, slow breathing, slow pulse, drowsiness, and loss of consciousness.
Choice D reason: This statement is incorrect because decreased bowel sounds are not a common finding for a client who has had diarrhea for several days. Decreased bowel sounds may indicate ileus, which is a temporary paralysis of the intestinal movement, usually caused by surgery, medication, or inflammation. A client with ileus may also have abdominal distension, constipation, nausea, and vomiting.

Choice A reason: Planning time for disruptions is a time management strategy, as it allows the nurse to anticipate and cope with unexpected events that may interfere with their schedule. By allocating some buffer time for potential delays, emergencies, or interruptions, the nurse can avoid stress and maintain their productivity.

Choice B reason: Offering to complete another nurse’s task is not a time management strategy, but rather a sign of poor boundary setting. While helping others is commendable, the nurse should not take on more responsibilities than they can handle, as this may compromise their own work quality and wellbeing. The nurse should learn to say no politely and focus on their own priorities.

Choice C reason: Skipping a meal break to catch up on charting is not a time management strategy, but rather a counterproductive habit. Taking regular breaks is essential for the nurse to replenish their energy, reduce fatigue, and prevent burnout. Skipping breaks may impair the nurse’s concentration, memory, and decision-making, and increase the risk of errors.

Choice D reason: Completing the easiest tasks first is not a time management strategy, but rather a form of procrastination. The nurse should prioritize their tasks based on their importance and urgency, not their difficulty or preference. Completing the easiest tasks first may create a false sense of accomplishment, while leaving the most critical or challenging tasks for later, when the nurse may have less time or motivation.