A nurse is teaching a newly licensed nurse about delegating tasks to assistive personnel. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

a. Store opened bottles of normal saline in a refrigerator for up to 48 hours:

Incorrect. Once opened, bottles of normal saline should generally be used within a short time frame (typically 24 hours) and should not be stored for extended periods to prevent contamination. This practice could lead to infection risks and is not recommended as a cost-containment measure.

b. Wait to dispose of sharps containers until they are completely full:

Incorrect. Overfilling sharps containers increases the risk of needle-stick injuries and potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Sharps containers should be disposed of when they are about three-quarters full to maintain safety.

c. Use clean gloves rather than sterile gloves for colostomy care:

Correct. For colostomy care, clean gloves are generally sufficient as it is a clean procedure, not a sterile one. Using clean gloves instead of sterile gloves reduces costs without compromising patient safety.

d. Return unused supplies from the bedside to the unit’s supply stock:

Incorrect. Returning unused supplies to the general supply stock can pose a risk of cross-contamination and infection. Once supplies have been brought to a patient's bedside, they are considered contaminated and should not be returned to the supply area.

a. Advise him to complete less time-consuming tasks first:

This intervention may be helpful in prioritizing tasks and ensuring that essential care is provided in a timely manner. However, it does not address the underlying issue of difficulty focusing and may not address the root cause of the problem.

b. Recommend that he take time to plan at the beginning of his shift:

Planning at the beginning of the shift is essential for organizing tasks and prioritizing care. This intervention may help the newly licensed nurse improve their time management skills and focus by providing a structured approach to their work.

c. Offer to provide care for his clients while he takes a break:

While taking breaks is important for maintaining focus and preventing burnout, offering to provide care for his clients may not address the underlying issue of difficulty focusing and completing tasks. Additionally, taking over his tasks may not encourage the newly licensed nurse to develop the skills needed to improve his performance.

d. Ask other staff members to take over some of his tasks:

Asking other staff members to take over some of his tasks may provide temporary relief, but it does not address the underlying issue or help the newly licensed nurse develop the skills needed to improve his performance.