An RN on a behavioral health unit is assessing a client. The RN plans to delegate part of the nursing process to a licensed practical nurse (LPN). Which of the following statements by the RN indicates appropriate delegation to the LPN?

A. A nurse at the competent stage typically has 2-3 years of experience and is able to handle more complex situations. Competent nurses have developed a level of efficiency and are able to plan and organize their work more effectively. They usually require less support from mentors and are able to function independently, although they may still seek guidance for complex or unusual cases.
B. Expert nurses have extensive experience (usually more than 5 years) and demonstrate a high level of intuitive understanding and clinical decision-making. They do not require significant support from mentors as they have developed the ability to handle complex and unexpected situations autonomously. Experts often serve as mentors themselves due to their depth of experience.
C. Proficient nurses have a deeper understanding of patient care than competent nurses, often with 3-5 years of experience. They can see situations holistically and are able to make decisions based on a broader context. While they might still seek occasional guidance, they generally require less support compared to novice or advanced beginner nurses.
D. Advanced beginner nurses are typically in the early stages of their career, having recently graduated or gained initial clinical experience. They are characterized by a need for guidance and support as they are still developing their clinical skills and understanding of various situations. They often benefit significantly from mentoring and support to help them build their skills and confidence.

A. Intuition involves using a nurse’s instincts or "gut feeling" based on experience and familiarity with situations. While intuition can be valuable in clinical settings, it is not primarily concerned with interpreting data. Instead, it is more about making decisions based on a sense of what feels right or wrong, rather than analyzing and interpreting specific data.
B. Questioning involves asking pertinent questions to gather information, clarify uncertainties, and explore different aspects of a situation. This step helps in identifying what needs to be understood or investigated further but does not specifically refer to the act of interpreting data.
C. Creativity involves thinking outside the box, generating new ideas, and finding innovative solutions to problems. While creativity can aid in problem-solving and developing new approaches, it is not specifically related to interpreting data. Creativity is more about conceptualizing and brainstorming rather than analyzing and understanding data.
D. Analysis is the step in critical thinking where interpreting data fits. It involves examining, comparing, and contrasting data to understand its significance and implications. This step requires evaluating the information collected, identifying patterns or trends, and making sense of the data to support decision- making. Interpreting data is a key component of this analytical process, making it the most relevant choice for understanding and evaluating information.