The client is a 58-year-old male who wants to be screened for diabetes mellitus. The client has a sister who has type 2 diabetes. He has a history of depression, which is treated with paroxetine 10 mg orally every day. The client also states that he occasionally takes cannabis in edible form. He denies smoking or drinking. He works In a chemical factory where he is occasionally exposed to fumes. The client's BMI is 28.

Which of the following indicates an understanding? (Select all that apply)

This question is related to the responsibilities and scope of practice of a practical nurse (PN) and a medication aide. A medication aide is a certified nursing assistant (CNA) who is responsible for administering daily medication to patients under the supervision of a licensed nurse, such as a PN or a registered nurse (RN). A PN is a licensed nurse who can provide routine care, observe patients’ health, assist doctors and RNs, and communicate instructions to patients regarding medication, home-based care, and preventative lifestyle changes.

Based on this information, the best action that the PN should take in this situation is c. Assign the remainder of medication administration to another PN who is performing treatments. This is because it would ensure that the medication administration is completed by another licensed nurse who has the knowledge, skills, and authority to do so. The PN who is performing treatments may have some spare time or be able to rearrange their schedule to accommodate the additional task. The PN should also communicate with the other PN and the medication aide about the situation and document the change of assignment in the patients’ records.

Option a is not a good choice, because it would be unfair and unethical to deny the medication aide’s request to leave if they are sick. The medication aide’s health and well-being are also important, and forcing them to stay and work could compromise their safety and the quality of care they provide to the patients.

Option b is not a good choice, because it would be outside the scope of practice of the UAPs to give medications to the patients. UAPs are not trained or certified to administer medications, and doing so could pose serious risks to the patients’ health and safety. The PN would also be liable for any errors or adverse outcomes that may result from the UAPs’ actions.

Option d is not a good choice, because it would not solve the problem of the medication administration being incomplete. Documenting why the medications were not given is important, but it is not enough to ensure that the patients receive their prescribed drugs and treatments. The PN still has the responsibility to find a way to complete the medication administration or delegate it to another qualified and available person.

A thready pulse refers to a pulse that is weak and difficult to palpate. It may disappear or weaken with light pressure. This can be an indication of decreased peripheral perfusion or reduced blood volume. By documenting the finding as "Thready pulse volume," the nurse is accurately describing the quality of the pulse and its response to light pressure.

Incorrect:

A. Missing pulse: A missing pulse would mean that the pulse is not palpable at all, even without applying pressure.
B. Light pressure applied to pulse: This is not a description of the pulse quality, but rather a description of the action taken to assess the pulse.
C. Pulse skips beats: This would mean that the pulse is irregular, with beats being missed or added. In this case, the pulse disappears when light pressure is applied and returns when the pressure is removed, which describes a thready pulse volume.