A nurse is working on a unit and suspects a coworker is chemically impaired. Which of the following members of the chain of command should the nurse notify first?

Choice A reason: This task is unsafe to assign to an AP, as it requires clinical judgment and critical thinking skills that are beyond the scope of practice of an AP. A confused surgical client who has multiple tubes may be at risk of complications such as infection, bleeding, or dislodgement of the tubes. The nurse is responsible for monitoring the client's condition, assessing the tubes' function and placement, and intervening as needed.

Choice B reason: This task is safe to assign to an AP, as it does not involve direct client care or clinical decision making. Providing postmortem care for a client who has died involves preparing the body for transport, removing any tubes or devices, and ensuring respect and dignity for the deceased and their family. The nurse should supervise and instruct the AP on how to perform this task according to the facility's policies and procedures.

Choice C reason: This task is safe to assign to an AP, as it is part of the basic care and comfort activities that an AP can perform under the nurse's delegation. Assisting a client to eat who has difficulty seeing the foods on the tray involves helping the client identify the food items, cutting or opening them if needed, and encouraging adequate intake. The nurse should ensure that the client has no dietary restrictions or swallowing difficulties before assigning this task to the AP.

Choice D reason: This task is safe to assign to an AP, as it is a routine and noninvasive procedure that an AP can perform under the nurse's direction. Delivering a client’s urine specimen to the laboratory involves labeling the specimen container, placing it in a biohazard bag, and transporting it to the designated area. The nurse should provide the AP with clear instructions on how to collect and handle the specimen.

Choice A reason: This statement is false and should not be included in the teaching. Teaches nursing students is not a responsibility of a case manager, but rather a role of a nurse educator. A nurse educator is a nurse who designs, implements, and evaluates educational programs for nurses, students, and other health care professionals.

Choice B reason: This statement is false and should not be included in the teaching. Provides direct client care is not a responsibility of a case manager, but rather a role of a direct care nurse. A direct care nurse is a nurse who provides handson care to patients in various settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or home health agencies.

Choice C reason: This statement is true and should be included in the teaching. Organizes client services following discharge is a responsibility of a case manager, as it involves coordinating and facilitating the transition of care from one setting to another. A case manager is a nurse who assesses, plans, implements, monitors, and evaluates the options and services required to meet the client's health and human service needs.

Choice D reason: This statement is false and should not be included in the teaching. Collects and utilizes data to change current practice is not a responsibility of a case manager, but rather a role of a nurse researcher. A nurse researcher is a nurse who conducts scientific studies to improve health care outcomes, quality, and safety.