A nurse manager observes a licensed practical nurse who has a strong odor of alcohol on their breath. Which of the following actions should the nurse manager take?

a. "I will ask your mother's primary care provider to speak with you."This response does not address the issue of confidentiality and consent. The nurse should not assume that the provider will discuss the treatment without the client's consent.

B.“You will have to speak directly to your mother about her treatment.”This response correctly redirects the child to the client but does not fully explain the importance of consent and confidentiality, which are crucial in maintaining professional and ethical standards.

C.“What would you like to know about your mother’s treatment.”This response might imply a willingness to share information without the client’s consent, which would be a violation of confidentiality and privacy laws.

D.“I cannot provide this information to you without your mother’s consent.”Correct. This response clearly states the need for the client’s consent before any information can be shared, adhering to the principles of confidentiality and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations.

a. A client who is scheduled for an endoscopy later today and requires an enema:

Administering an enema involves basic nursing care, which falls within the scope of practice of an LPN. LPNs are trained to perform such tasks under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN).

b. A newly admitted client who has sickle cell anemia and requires the development of an initial plan of care:

Developing an initial plan of care involves comprehensive assessment, critical thinking, and the ability to formulate nursing diagnoses and interventions. This task typically falls within the scope of practice of the RN, who has advanced education and training in care planning and coordination.

c. A client who had a myocardial infarction and will be transferring to the unit from the CCU:

Transferring a client from one unit to another may involve coordinating care, ensuring continuity of care, and communicating with other members of the healthcare team. This task may be more appropriate for an RN, who has the knowledge and skills to manage such transitions safely and effectively.

d. A newly admitted client who has diabetes mellitus and requires initial teaching on self-administration of insulin:

Providing client education, especially on self-care management such as insulin administration, requires knowledge of disease processes, medication administration, and patient teaching techniques. This task is typically within the scope of practice of the RN, who can assess the client's learning needs, provide tailored education, and evaluate the client's understanding and competency.