A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is delegating client care. Which of the following tasks should the nurse delegate to an assistive personnel?

Choice A reason: This is not the correct choice because low pain tolerance is not the most urgent issue to address. The client may experience some pain and discomfort after the surgery, but this can be managed with medication and non-pharmacological interventions. The nurse should educate the client on how to use pain scales, request pain relief, and apply ice packs or heat pads as needed.

Choice B reason: This is not the correct choice because decreased self-esteem is not the most urgent issue to address. The client may have some negative feelings about their appearance or abilities after the surgery, but this can be improved with counseling and support groups. The nurse should encourage the client to express their emotions, focus on their strengths, and seek professional help if necessary.

Choice C reason: This is not the correct choice because limited social support is not the most urgent issue to address. The client may have difficulty coping with the recovery process and the lifestyle changes required after the surgery, but this can be alleviated with community resources and referrals. The nurse should assess the client's social network, provide information on local agencies and organizations, and arrange for home health care or visiting nurses if needed.

Choice D reason: This is the correct choice because inadequate food supply is the most urgent issue to address. The client needs to have access to nutritious and balanced meals to promote healing and prevent complications after the surgery. The nurse should evaluate the client's food security, provide food vouchers or coupons, and connect the client with food banks or meal delivery services.

Choice A reason: Decreased cost-effectiveness is not an outcome of critical pathway use, but rather an outcome of poor quality care. Critical pathways are designed to improve the quality and efficiency of care by reducing unnecessary costs and resources.

Choice B reason: Decreased care delays is an outcome of critical pathway use, as it reflects the timely and coordinated delivery of care. Critical pathways are evidence-based plans that outline the expected course of care and outcomes for a specific client population.

Choice C reason: Increased length of stay is not an outcome of critical pathway use, but rather an outcome of ineffective or inappropriate care. Critical pathways are intended to shorten the length of stay by optimizing the care process and preventing complications.

Choice D reason: Increased variation in clinical interventions is not an outcome of critical pathway use, but rather an outcome of inconsistent or individualized care. Critical pathways are meant to standardize the clinical interventions based on the best available evidence and practice guidelines.