A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is evaluating an assistive personnel’s use of infection control precautions. Which of the following actions by the AP indicates correct use of the precautions?

a. A client who has an asymmetrical thorax:

An asymmetrical thorax can indicate a potentially life-threatening condition such as a tension pneumothorax, hemothorax, or flail chest. These conditions can compromise respiratory function and require immediate intervention to ensure the client's airway and breathing are maintained.

b. A client who has an open fracture of the femur:

An open fracture of the femur is a serious injury that requires prompt attention to prevent complications such as infection and excessive blood loss. However, it is typically classified as urgent rather than emergent unless there are signs of significant hemorrhage or compromised perfusion that threaten life.

c. A client who has preorbital edema:

Preorbital edema, which is swelling around the eyes, can be concerning and requires evaluation but is not typically life-threatening. This condition is less likely to require immediate intervention compared to compromised airway or breathing issues.

d. A client who has a deep-partial thickness burn on the lower extremities:

Deep-partial thickness burns are serious and painful injuries that require medical attention. However, they are usually not immediately life-threatening unless they involve a large percentage of body surface area or are accompanied by other critical injuries or complications. They are often categorized as urgent rather than emergent.

a. Advise him to complete less time-consuming tasks first:

This intervention may be helpful in prioritizing tasks and ensuring that essential care is provided in a timely manner. However, it does not address the underlying issue of difficulty focusing and may not address the root cause of the problem.

b. Recommend that he take time to plan at the beginning of his shift:

Planning at the beginning of the shift is essential for organizing tasks and prioritizing care. This intervention may help the newly licensed nurse improve their time management skills and focus by providing a structured approach to their work.

c. Offer to provide care for his clients while he takes a break:

While taking breaks is important for maintaining focus and preventing burnout, offering to provide care for his clients may not address the underlying issue of difficulty focusing and completing tasks. Additionally, taking over his tasks may not encourage the newly licensed nurse to develop the skills needed to improve his performance.

d. Ask other staff members to take over some of his tasks:

Asking other staff members to take over some of his tasks may provide temporary relief, but it does not address the underlying issue or help the newly licensed nurse develop the skills needed to improve his performance.