The mother of a child with cerebral palsy (CP) asks the nurse if her child's impaired movements will worsen as the child grows.

Which response provides the best explanation?

The correct answer is Choice C: Assign the remainder of medication administration to another PN who is performing treatments.

Choice A rationale: Denying the medication aide's request to leave before all medications are given does not address the issue at hand and could potentially jeopardize patient care. It is important to acknowledge the medication aide's request and find an appropriate solution that ensures patient safety and well-being.

Choice B rationale: Delegating medication administration to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) who may not have the necessary training or authorization could lead to medication errors, adverse drug reactions, or other negative outcomes. It is essential to adhere to the scope of practice guidelines and facility policies when assigning tasks to UAPs.

Choice C rationale: Reassigning the medication administration to another PN with the necessary qualifications and training ensures that patients receive their medications in a safe and timely manner. This action aligns with the practical nurse's responsibility to supervise and delegate tasks appropriately, maintaining patient safety and upholding the standards of care.

Choice D rationale: Documenting why medications were not given to each resident is an important aspect of maintaining accurate and comprehensive patient records. However, it does not address the immediate need to administer medications to residents, and it is not a substitute for ensuring that patients receive their prescribed treatments. Documentation should be completed after the appropriate steps have been taken to administer medications or arrange for an alternative solution.

The correct answer is choice b. “Curling’s ulcer.”

Choice A rationale:

Elevated blood pressure is not a common complication specifically associated with partial-thickness burns. It may occur due to pain or stress but is not the most critical complication to anticipate.

Choice B rationale:

Curling’s ulcer, a type of stress ulcer, is a significant complication that can develop in burn patients due to the stress response and reduced blood flow to the gastrointestinal tract.

Choice C rationale:

Compartment syndrome is more commonly associated with circumferential full-thickness burns rather than partial-thickness burns.

Choice D rationale:

Excruciating pain is a symptom rather than a complication. While pain management is crucial, it is not the most critical complication to anticipate.