A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is assigning tasks to an assistive personnel (AP). Which of the following tasks should the nurse delegate to the AP?

b. Rationalization

Explanation:

The correct answer is b. Rationalization.

Rationalization is a defense mechanism characterized by the individual's atempt to justify or explain their behavior or actions in a way that makes it more acceptable to themselves or others. It involves providing logical-sounding reasons or excuses to mask or minimize the real underlying reasons for their behavior.

In this scenario, the client is atributing their recent behavior to the loss of their job, using it as a justification or explanation for their actions. By blaming the job loss, they are rationalizing their behavior as a direct result of the circumstances they faced.

Option a, Projection, involves atributing one's own unacceptable thoughts, feelings, or behaviors to others.

This defense mechanism does not apply to the client's statement about their job loss.

Option c, Repression, involves the unconscious blocking of unwanted thoughts or feelings. It does not relate to the client's behavior or their explanation for it.

Option d, Sublimation, is a defense mechanism where an individual channels or redirects unacceptable impulses or emotions into socially acceptable behaviors or activities. It is not applicable in this context since the client is not expressing their emotions or impulses through alternative constructive means.

By identifying the client's explanation as rationalization, the nurse recognizes the defense mechanism being used and gains insight into how the client is coping with their emotions and justifying their behavior in response to the job loss. This understanding can guide the nurse in providing appropriate support and interventions to help the client manage their anger more effectively.

b. A decreased level of consciousness and vomiting

Explanation:

When receiving report on four clients, the nurse should first collect data about the client who has a decreased level of consciousness and vomiting. This combination of symptoms suggests a potentially serious condition that requires immediate atention and assessment. It could indicate a neurological or gastrointestinal issue, and further evaluation is necessary to determine the underlying cause and provide appropriate interventions.

Explanation for the other options:

a. Cellulitis accompanied by a low-grade fever:

While cellulitis and a low-grade fever require atention, they are not as immediately critical as a decreased level of consciousness and vomiting. The nurse should prioritize assessing the client with altered consciousness and vomiting due to the potential for more urgent interventions.

c. A pain rating of 7 on a scale from 0 to 10 after receiving analgesia 30 min ago:

Although the client's pain rating of 7 indicates ongoing pain, it is not as immediately critical as a decreased level of consciousness and vomiting. The nurse should first address the client with altered consciousness to determine the cause and provide appropriate interventions before assessing and managing pain in other clients.

d. Type 2 diabetes mellitus and a blood glucose level of 160 mg/dL:

While elevated blood glucose levels in a client with type 2 diabetes require atention and management, they are not as immediately critical as a decreased level of consciousness and vomiting. The nurse should first assess the client with altered consciousness to identify the cause and provide prompt interventions.

In summary, when receiving report on four clients, the nurse should first collect data about the client who has a decreased level of consciousness and vomiting. These symptoms indicate a potentially serious condition requiring immediate assessment and intervention.