A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is caring for a group of clients with the assistance of a licensed practical nurse (LPN) and an assistive personnel. Which of the following tasks should the nurse assign to the LPN?

Choice A reason: Accompanying a client who just had a wound debridement to physical therapy is not a task that the nurse should assign to the LPN, as it requires the nurse to monitor the client's vital signs, wound status, and pain level. The nurse should accompany the client and delegate other tasks to the LPN or the assistive personnel.

Choice B reason: Providing postmortem care for a client who has just died is not a task that the nurse should assign to the LPN, as it requires the nurse to verify the death, notify the provider and the family, and document the care. The nurse should provide postmortem care and delegate other tasks to the LPN or the assistive personnel.

Choice C reason: Obtaining a urine specimen from an older adult client is not a task that the nurse should assign to the LPN, as it is a basic skill that the assistive personnel can perform. The nurse should assign this task to the assistive personnel and supervise their work.

Choice D reason: Reinforcing dietary teaching with a client who has heart disease is a task that the nurse should assign to the LPN, as it is within the LPN's scope of practice to reinforce the teaching that the nurse has initiated. The nurse should provide the initial teaching and evaluate the client's learning.

Choice A reason: This response is inappropriate because it violates the client's right to privacy and confidentiality. The nurse should not disclose any information about the client to anyone without the client's consent, unless it is required by law or for the client's safety.

Choice B reason: This response is inappropriate because it shows a lack of accountability and professionalism. The nurse should not dismiss the visitor's concern or pass the responsibility to another nurse. The nurse should either provide the information if they have it or direct the visitor to the appropriate source.

Choice C reason: This response is appropriate because it respects the client's privacy and confidentiality, while also addressing the visitor's concern. The nurse should inform the visitor that they will contact the nurse who is taking care of the client and ask them to come and talk with the visitor.

Choice D reason: This response is inappropriate because it violates the client's privacy and confidentiality. The nurse should not access the client's medical record without a valid reason or the client's consent. The nurse should only check the medical record if they are involved in the client's care or have a need to know the information.