A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is planning to delegate tasks to an adult volunteer. Which of the following tasks should the charge nurse avoid assigning to the volunteer?

Choice A rationale:
Delivering meal trays to clients in their rooms is a simple task that does not require any specialized skills or knowledge. Volunteers can be safely assigned this task, as it does not involve any direct patient care or decision-making.

Choice B rationale:
Observing postoperative clients who are confused requires a higher level of skill and knowledge than delivering meal trays. Volunteers are not typically trained to assess and monitor patients for changes in their condition, and they may not be able to recognize and respond to potential emergencies. This task is best assigned to a licensed nurse or other qualified healthcare professional.

Choice C rationale:
Assisting ambulatory clients with meals is another task that can be safely assigned to volunteers. This task involves helping patients with simple activities such as opening food containers and cutting food. Volunteers can be trained to perform these tasks safely and effectively.

Choice D rationale:
Delivering mail is a simple task that does not require any specialized skills or knowledge. Volunteers can be safely assigned this task, as it does not involve any direct patient care or decision-making.

Choice A rationale:
Holding the client's arms and legs from moving during a seizure can actually cause injury to the client or the nurse. The forceful muscle contractions that occur during a seizure can cause bones to break or joints to dislocate. Additionally, trying to restrain the client can increase their agitation and make the seizure worse.

Choice B rationale:
Placing the client back in bed during a seizure is not safe. The client could fall out of bed and injure themselves. It is also important to allow the client to have space to move freely during the seizure to prevent injury.

Choice C rationale:

Placing the client on their side is the safest position for a client who is having a seizure. This position helps to protect the airway and prevent aspiration. It also allows any fluids or secretions to drain out of the mouth, which can help prevent choking.

Choice D rationale:
Inserting a tongue blade into the client's mouth during a seizure is not recommended. It is a common misconception that people can swallow their tongue during a seizure. This is not possible. Inserting a tongue blade can actually cause more harm than good. It can break teeth, damage the mouth, or even block the airway.