A nurse on a pediatric unit is working with an assistive personnel (AP). Which of the following tasks should the nurse have the AP perform first?

The correct answer is Choice C.

Choice A rationale: Offering to help the AP complete the tasks may seem like a good solution in the short term. However, this approach does not address the underlying issue, which is that the AP was not able to complete these tasks the previous day. The nurse’s role is to delegate tasks appropriately and ensure that all tasks are completed in a timely manner. If the nurse takes over the AP’s tasks, it could lead to an imbalance in the workload and could potentially overburden the nurse. Therefore, while this choice may seem helpful, it is not the most effective solution to the problem.

Choice B rationale: Assigning a more qualified staff member to the tasks could be a potential solution if the AP’s inability to complete the tasks was due to a lack of skills or knowledge. However, without more information, it’s not clear that this is the case. Furthermore, this approach could lead to resentment among staff if it appears that tasks are not being distributed fairly. Therefore, while this choice could be a potential solution, it is not the most effective solution given the information provided.

Choice C rationale: Planning a more reasonable job assignment is the most effective solution to this problem. If the AP was not able to complete the tasks the previous day, it suggests that the workload was too heavy or the tasks were too complex. By reassessing the job assignment and making it more manageable, the nurse can ensure that all tasks are completed in a timely manner. This approach respects the abilities and limitations of the AP, promotes a fair distribution of tasks, and ensures the best care for the clients.

Choice D rationale: Setting a time frame for the AP to complete the tasks could be a potential solution if the issue was that the tasks were not completed in a timely manner. However, if the AP was not able to complete the tasks at all, simply setting a time frame may not resolve the issue. This approach could also add unnecessary pressure on the AP, which could lead to rushed or substandard work. Therefore, while this choice could be a potential solution, it is not the most effective solution given the information provided.

The nurse should ask the AP to perform the task of taking an ABG (arterial blood gas) specimen to the laboratory first. This is because ABG specimens need to be analyzed promptly to ensure accurate results. Timely analysis of ABG specimens is important for making clinical decisions and providing appropriate care to the client.
Option A is incorrect because giving fresh water to clients who do not have NPO status is not as time-sensitive as taking an ABG specimen to the laboratory.
Option B is incorrect because obtaining a routine urine sample from a client right after admission is not as time-sensitive as taking an ABG specimen to the laboratory.
Option C is incorrect because transporting a client to the radiology department for an x-ray is not as time-sensitive as taking an ABG specimen to the laboratory.