A nurse is teaching a client who has herpes zoster. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

Rationale:

A. Clamp the chest tube every 2 hr to assess the amount of drainage: Clamping a chest tube is not routine and can lead to tension pneumothorax by preventing air or fluid from escaping the pleural space. It should only be done briefly and under specific provider direction.

B. Add water to the water seal chamber as it evaporates: Water in the water seal chamber may evaporate over time and should be maintained at the prescribed level to preserve the one-way seal. This ensures proper functioning of the chest drainage system.

C. Mark the drainage output on the collection chamber: Marking the drainage level at regular intervals allows for accurate monitoring of output trends, which can help detect complications like hemorrhage or increased fluid accumulation.

D. Maintain the collection chamber above the level of the client's waist: The collection chamber should be kept below the level of the chest to promote gravity drainage. Elevating it above the waist can allow fluid or air to flow back into the pleural space.

E. Strip the chest tube vigorously to dislodge blood clots: Stripping is not recommended as it creates high negative pressure that may damage lung tissue. If clots are suspected, milking the tube gently or other interventions should be discussed with the provider.

Rationale:

A. Encourage the client to discuss feelings of new eating patterns: This requires therapeutic communication and assessment skills, which are beyond the scope of assistive personnel. Such discussions should be initiated and guided by the nurse or mental health professionals.

B. Discuss measures to assist the client to develop a positive body image: Promoting positive self-image involves complex therapeutic techniques and individualized planning, which must be performed by licensed staff, not delegated to assistive personnel.

C. Consult the dietitian to determine the client's caloric intake: Contacting other members of the healthcare team for clinical collaboration is the nurse’s responsibility. This involves interpretation of data and coordination of care, which cannot be delegated.

D. Identify thoughts that reinforce disordered eating patterns: Recognizing cognitive distortions requires clinical judgment and is a core part of therapeutic nursing or psychological care. It cannot be delegated to assistive personnel.

E. Observe the client during meals: Assistive personnel can monitor the client while eating to help prevent purging behaviors. Meal observation is a standard component of bulimia nervosa management and does not require clinical decision-making, making it appropriate for delegation.

F. Accompany the client to the restroom following meals: Clients with bulimia may attempt to purge after eating, so monitoring them post-meal is critical. This task involves supervision rather than evaluation and is suitable for assistive personnel under nursing guidance.

G. Use cognitive behavioral techniques to address the client's behavior: CBT strategies are specialized interventions requiring advanced training, typically carried out by licensed nurses, therapists, or psychologists. These are not within the role of assistive personnel.

H. Check the client’s vital signs: Vital signs collection is a routine task that falls within the scope of assistive personnel when the client is stable. The nurse remains responsible for interpreting any abnormalities.

I. Perform daily weights: Weighing the client is a routine, objective measurement that does not require nursing judgment. It is appropriate to delegate this task as long as the AP follows the nurse’s instructions on timing and procedure.