A nurse is reinforcing teaching about home management with the partner of a client who has dementia. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

Rationale:

A. Request the AP to provide a return demonstration of the task: Having the assistive personnel perform a return demonstration allows the nurse to directly observe their technique, ensuring the AP is competent and following proper procedures to prevent complications such as aspiration or infection.

B. Tell the AP to list the steps of the task: While verbalizing steps shows knowledge, it does not guarantee the AP can safely and effectively perform the feeding. Practical demonstration is necessary for skill verification.

C. Ask the family if the AP performed the task correctly: Family feedback may be subjective and is not a reliable method to assess the AP’s competency. The nurse should perform direct assessment.

D. Instruct the AP to report back once the task is complete: Reporting completion alone does not provide information about the quality or safety of the procedure. Direct observation is required to ensure proper technique.

Rationale:

A. The client's next dressing change is scheduled in 4 hr.: This is routine scheduling information that does not require input from the entire interprofessional team. It is more relevant for shift handoff or task tracking than for collaborative care planning.

B. The client has developed difficulty ambulating: New or worsening mobility issues can impact the client’s safety, rehabilitation needs, discharge planning, and therapy referrals. This information is essential for all members of the interprofessional team, including physical therapists and case managers.

C. The client's vital signs are checked every 8 hr.: This detail reflects standard monitoring protocol and does not provide meaningful insight into the client’s current health status or changes that would impact team planning or intervention.

D. The client has state-sponsored health insurance: While insurance type may influence discharge or equipment planning, it is handled by social services or case management. It is not the most relevant information to bring forward in a clinical team meeting.