The essential core of nursing practice is to deliver holistic, patient-centered care. This includes assessment and evaluation, providing a variety of interventions, patient and caregiver teaching, and being a member of the interprofessional healthcare team.

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.

Choice A: Anesthetic agents and other drugs that were administered

This is a correct answer. Including information about the anesthetic agents and other drugs administered during surgery is crucial for the PACU nurse. This information helps in monitoring the patient’s recovery from anesthesia and managing any potential side effects or complications. Knowing the specific drugs used allows the PACU nurse to anticipate and address issues such as pain management, nausea, and allergic reactions.

Choice B: The patient’s relevant health history

This is another correct answer. The patient’s relevant health history provides essential context for the PACU nurse. It includes information about chronic conditions, allergies, previous surgeries, and any other factors that might affect the patient’s recovery. Understanding the patient’s health history helps the PACU nurse to tailor post-operative care to the patient’s specific needs and to be vigilant for any complications that might arise due to pre-existing conditions.

Choice C: The name of the surgical procedure

This is also a correct answer. Knowing the specific surgical procedure performed is vital for the PACU nurse. It helps in understanding the expected post-operative course, potential complications, and specific care requirements. For example, the care for a patient who underwent a cardiac surgery will differ significantly from the care for a patient who had an orthopedic procedure.

Choice D: Estimated blood loss during surgery

This is the final correct answer. Reporting the estimated blood loss during surgery is important for the PACU nurse to assess the patient’s hemodynamic status and to plan for any necessary interventions. Significant blood loss may require monitoring for signs of hypovolemia, administering fluids or blood products, and closely watching vital signs.