Infection prevention strategies include:

Choice A: True

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are indeed the most common type of healthcare-associated infection (HAI). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), UTIs account for more than 30% of infections reported by acute care hospitals. These infections are primarily caused by the use of catheters and other instrumentation of the urinary tract, which can introduce bacteria and lead to infection. The high prevalence of UTIs in healthcare settings underscores the importance of stringent infection control practices to prevent these infections.

Choice B: False

The statement that UTIs are not the most common healthcare-associated infection is incorrect. While other types of HAIs, such as surgical site infections, bloodstream infections, and pneumonia, are also significant, UTIs remain the most frequently reported. The use of urinary catheters is a major risk factor, and efforts to reduce catheter use and improve catheter care are critical in preventing these infections.

Choice A reason:

Instructing the client to hold a pillow to the abdominal incision when coughing is a task that involves patient education and reinforcement of postoperative care techniques. While LPNs/LVNs can provide basic patient education, this specific task requires ensuring that the patient understands the importance of splinting the incision to reduce pain and prevent complications such as wound dehiscence. This level of instruction is typically within the scope of practice for a registered nurse (RN), who has more extensive training in patient education and postoperative care. Therefore, this task is not the most appropriate for delegation to an LPN/LVN.

Choice B reason:

Obtaining bedside blood glucose is a task that is appropriate for delegation to an LPN/LVN. LPNs/LVNs are trained to perform routine tasks such as monitoring vital signs, including blood glucose levels, especially in patients with diabetes. This task involves using a glucometer to measure the patient’s blood sugar levels and recording the results. It does not require complex clinical judgment, making it suitable for an LPN/LVN. Regular monitoring of blood glucose is crucial for managing diabetes and preventing complications such as hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia.

Choice C reason:

Creating the plan of care is a complex task that involves comprehensive assessment, critical thinking, and clinical judgment. This task is typically within the scope of practice for an RN, who is trained to develop and implement individualized care plans based on a thorough assessment of the patient’s needs, medical history, and current condition. The RN collaborates with other healthcare team members to ensure that the care plan addresses all aspects of the patient’s recovery and health maintenance. LPNs/LVNs can contribute to the care plan by providing input and performing delegated tasks, but they do not have the authority to create the plan of care independently.

Choice D reason:

Documenting postoperative teaching involves recording the education provided to the patient about their postoperative care, including instructions on medication, activity restrictions, wound care, and signs of complications to watch for. This task requires ensuring that the patient understands the information and can follow the instructions correctly. While LPNs/LVNs can reinforce teaching and provide basic education, the initial comprehensive teaching and documentation are typically the responsibility of an RN. The RN ensures that the teaching is thorough and that the patient has the necessary knowledge to manage their care at home.