A registered nurse (RN) and an experienced licensed practical nurse (LPN) are caring for a group of clients. Which of the following tasks should the RN delegate to the LPN? SELECT ALL THAT APPLY

Choice A reason: Initiating a plan of care for a client who is postoperative from an appendectomy is not a task that the RN should delegate to the LPN, as it requires nursing judgment, critical thinking, and assessment skills that are beyond the scope of practice of the LPN. The RN is responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating the plan of care for each client based on their individual needs, preferences, and goals. The RN can delegate some aspects of the plan of care to the LPN, such as performing routine tasks or monitoring the client's status, but the RN must supervise and evaluate the LPN's performance.

Choice B reason: Administering a tap-water enema to a client who is preoperative is a task that the RN can delegate to the LPN, as it is a standardized procedure that does not require nursing judgment or assessment. The LPN has the knowledge and skills to perform this task safely and effectively, following the established policies and protocols of the facility. The RN should provide clear instructions and expectations to the LPN, such as the type, amount, and temperature of the solution, the position and comfort of the client, and the signs and symptoms to report. The RN should also verify that the LPN has completed the task and documented the outcome.

Choice C reason: Providing discharge instructions to a confused client's spouse is not a task that the RN should delegate to the LPN, as it involves teaching, counseling, and evaluating the client's and family's understanding and readiness for discharge. These are complex activities that require nursing judgment, communication skills, and evaluation skills that are beyond the scope of practice of the LPN. The RN is responsible for ensuring that the client and family receive adequate information and education about the client's condition, treatment, medications, follow-up care, and community resources. The RN can delegate some aspects of discharge planning to the LPN, such as collecting data or providing reinforcement of teaching, but the RN must supervise and evaluate the LPN's performance.

Choice D reason: Catheterizing a client who has not voided in 8 hours is a task that the RN can delegate to the LPN, as it is a standardized procedure that does not require nursing judgment or assessment. The LPN has the knowledge and skills to perform this task safely and effectively, following the established policies and protocols of the facility. The RN should provide clear instructions and expectations to the LPN, such as the type and size of the catheter, the sterile technique, and the urine output measurement. The RN should also verify that the LPN has completed the task and documented the outcome.

Choice E reason: Obtaining vital signs from a client who is 6 hours postoperative is a task that the RN can delegate to the LPN, as it is a routine task that does not require nursing judgment or assessment. The LPN has the knowledge and skills to perform this task safely and effectively, using appropriate equipment and techniques. The RN should provide clear instructions and expectations to the LPN, such as the frequency and parameters of vital signs monitoring. The RN should also verify that the LPN has completed the task and documented the outcome.

Choice A reason: Proactive prevention is not a level of prevention, but rather a type of prevention that involves taking action before a problem occurs or worsens. It can be applied to any level of prevention, such as primary, secondary, or tertiary.

Choice B reason: Secondary prevention is a level of prevention that involves detecting and treating diseases or injuries early before they cause significant complications or disabilities. It includes activities such as screening tests, diagnostic tests, or medications.

Choice C reason: Tertiary prevention is a level of prevention that involves reducing the impact and consequences of diseases or injuries that have already occurred and caused damage or impairment. It includes activities such as rehabilitation, surgery, or palliative care.

Choice D reason: Primary prevention is a level of prevention that involves preventing diseases or injuries from occurring in the first place, by eliminating or reducing risk factors or enhancing protective factors. It includes activities such as immunization, education, or lifestyle modification. Advising a client with osteoporosis to have three servings of milk or dairy products daily is an example of primary prevention because it aims to prevent further bone loss and fractures by increasing calcium intake.