A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a newly licensed nurse about incident reports.
The nurse should identify that which of the following situations requires the completion of an incident report?

Obturator.

An obturator is a device that is inserted into the tracheostomy tube to guide it through the stoma and prevent tissue damage. It should be removed after the tube is inserted and kept near the bedside in case of accidental decannulation.

Choice A is wrong because povidone-iodine is an antiseptic solution that is not routinely used for tracheostomy care. It can cause skin irritation and damage to the mucous membranes.

Choice C is wrong because an irrigation set is not needed for a tracheostomy tube.

Irrigation can introduce bacteria and increase the risk of infection. It can also cause coughing and bleeding.

Choice D is wrong because hemostats are not used for a tracheostomy tube.

Hemostats are surgical instruments that are used to clamp blood vessels or tissues. They have no role in tracheostomy care.

Some other supplies that the nurse should place in the room are a trach tube the same size as the current tube and one size smaller, a portable suction machine with battery backup, and tubing that connects to the suction machine. Other supplies may include saline solution, syringes, gauze squares, gloves, a trachea tube brush, a waterproof drape, non-woven sponges, pipe cleaners, cotton tipped applicators, a T-drain sponge, twill tape, a trach holder, a speaking valve, a stoma cover, and a nebulizer.

The task involves making ongoing judgments about client data. This is a contraindication to delegating a task to an AP because the AP is not trained or authorized to make clinical decisions or assessments. The nurse is responsible for evaluating the client’s condition and needs, and delegating only tasks that are within the AP’s scope of practice and do not require critical thinking.

Choice B is wrong because the task is within the AP’s range of function to perform.

This is a criterion for delegating a task to an AP, not a contraindication. The nurse should ensure that the AP has the necessary skills and knowledge to perform the task safely and effectively.

Choice C is wrong because the task can be performed in the same manner for most clients.

This is also a criterion for delegating a task to an AP, not a contraindication. The nurse should delegate tasks that are routine, standardized, and have predictable outcomes.

Choice D is wrong because the task requires a specific sequence of steps.

This is not a contraindication to delegating a task to an AP, as long as the AP is competent and familiar with the procedure. The nurse should provide clear instructions and expectations for the task, and monitor the AP’s performance.