During an evening shift on a medical unit, the only nurse on the unit is busy with an unstable client. The unit clerk, who is also both a certified medication aide and an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP), reports to the nurse that a healthcare provider is on the telephone and wishes to prescribe an as needed (PRN) dose of an oral over-the-counter laxative for a client who is constipated. Which instruction should the nurse provide the unit clerk?

Choice A Reason: Beginning initial sterile wound care for surgical clients is a nursing intervention that requires clinical judgment and cannot be delegated to the PN. The PN may assist with wound care after the initial dressing change, but the RN is responsible for assessing the wound and initiating the plan of care.

Choice B Reason: Validating prescribed intravenous flow rates is a routine task that does not require clinical judgment and can be delegated to the PN. The PN has the knowledge and skill to check the IV orders, calculate the drip rate, and monitor the infusion.

Choice C Reason: Determining the need for urinary catheterizations is a nursing assessment that requires clinical judgment and cannot be delegated to the PN. The PN may perform urinary catheterizations as ordered by the physician, but the RN is responsible for evaluating the indication, risk, and benefit of the procedure.

Choice D Reason: Receiving a postoperative client and conducting the assessment is a nursing intervention that requires clinical judgment and cannot be delegated to the PN. The RN is responsible for receiving reports from the operating room, assessing the client's status, identifying potential complications, and initiating the plan of care.

A) This intervention is not appropriate because it violates the client's privacy and confidentiality. The health department does not need to be notified of the client's condition, as breast cancer is not a communicable disease or a public health threat. The nurse should respect the client's wishes and only share information with authorized persons or agencies.
B) This intervention is appropriate because it respects the client's autonomy and encourages informed decision-making. The nurse should advise the client to consider the benefits and risks of disclosing or withholding the diagnosis from the family, and how it may affect their relationships and support systems. The nurse should also provide relevant information and resources to help the client make an informed choice.
C) This intervention is not appropriate because it contradicts the client's decision and may cause confusion or distress for the family. The nurse should not suggest genetic screening to the family without the client's consent, as this may imply that they are at risk of developing breast cancer or other genetic disorders. The nurse should also avoid giving unsolicited advice or opinions that may interfere with the client's autonomy.
D) This intervention is not appropriate because it imposes the nurse's values and beliefs on the client. The nurse should not explain that the family has a right to know of potential health problems, as this may imply that the client is wrong or selfish for withholding the diagnosis. The nurse should acknowledge and respect the client's perspective and preferences, and support them in coping with their condition.