A nurse is reinforcing discharge teaching with a client who states, "I don't feel confident driving to my follow-up appointments." The nurse should obtain a referral for which of the following members of the health care team?

A. Keep the finger in a dependent position:

• Keeping the finger in a dependent position (lower than the heart) helps promote blood flow to the fingertips, making it easier to obtain a blood sample. This position can facilitate the formation of a blood drop, improving the chances of obtaining an adequate sample for testing.

B. Wear sterile gloves:

• Sterile gloves are not typically necessary for routine capillary blood glucose monitoring. Clean, non-sterile gloves are generally sufficient for this procedure. However, the nurse should perform proper hand hygiene to minimize the risk of contamination.

C. Select the central tip of a finger:

• The central tip of the finger is more sensitive, and choosing this area may cause greater discomfort for the client. The sides of the fingertips are often preferred for capillary blood glucose testing as they have a good blood supply and are less sensitive.

D. Test the first drop of blood that forms after the puncture:

• The initial drop may contain tissue fluid or contaminants from the puncture site, so it is important to use the first drop to obtain a representative blood sample. This step contributes to the accuracy of the blood glucose measurement.

The correct answer is choice b. Performing indwelling urinary catheter care.

Choice A rationale:

Changing the appliance on a new colostomy is a complex task that requires assessment and education, which should be performed by a registered nurse (RN) or a licensed practical nurse (LPN).

Choice B rationale:

Performing indwelling urinary catheter care is a routine task that can be delegated to an assistive personnel (AP) as it involves basic hygiene and maintenance.

Choice C rationale:

Demonstrating how to use an incentive spirometer involves patient education and assessment of the patient’s technique, which should be done by an RN or LPN.

Choice D rationale:

Measuring the depth of a stage 3 pressure injury requires assessment skills and clinical judgment, which are beyond the scope of practice for an AP. This task should be performed by an RN or LPN.