The nurse and unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) on the telemetry unit are caring for four clients. Which nursing action can be delegated to the UAP?

Monitoring a client after a transesophageal echocardiogram involves observing the client for any immediate post-procedure complications or adverse reactions. This may include assessing vital signs, monitoring for signs of bleeding or infection, and reporting any concerning symptoms or changes in the client's condition to the nurse.

Checking the client's catheter site after a coronary angiogram requires assessing the site for bleeding, hematoma, or signs of infection. This task involves more complex assessment skills and would typically be performed by the nurse.

Teaching a patient about exercise electrocardiography involves providing education on the purpose of the test, the procedure itself, and any preparation or precautions the patient needs to take. This task requires specialized knowledge and is best performed by the nurse who can address the patient's specific questions and concerns.

Attaching ECG monitoring electrodes after a patient bathes requires technical knowledge and skill in properly placing the electrodes and ensuring accurate ECG readings. This task also falls within the scope of the nurse's responsibilities.

Delegation should be based on the UAP's skill set, training, and the complexity of the task. While the UAP can provide valuable support in monitoring a client after a transesophageal echocardiogram, the other tasks mentioned require the expertise and knowledge of a nurse.

The traces that should require immediate follow-up by the nurse are:

● Pacer spikes occur directly before the T waves.

Pacer spikes occurring on the T waves indicate an issue with the pacemaker's timing or sensing. This could lead to inappropriate pacing or pacing during the refractory period, which can be detrimental to the client's heart function.

● The heart rate is outside of programmed parameters.

If the heart rate is outside of the programmed parameters set for the client's pacemaker, it may indicate a malfunction or failure of the device or a change in the client's cardiac status. It is important for the nurse to assess the client's condition and notify the healthcare provider for further evaluation and intervention.

Let's review the other options and explain why they do not require immediate follow-up:

Pacer spikes are adequate in number: This indicates that the pacemaker is delivering the appropriate number of electrical impulses as programmed. As long as the other parameters are normal, this finding does not require immediate follow-up.

Pacer spikes occur directly before the P waves: This is the desired and expected pattern for a pacemaker in normal sinus rhythm. It indicates proper timing and coordination between the pacemaker and the client's intrinsic electrical activity.

Pacer spikes occur directly before the QRS waves: This is also the desired and expected pattern for a pacemaker in clients with ventricular pacing. It indicates proper timing and coordination between the pacemaker and the client's intrinsic electrical activity.

The heart rate is within programmed parameters: If the heart rate falls within the programmed parameters set for the client's pacemaker, it indicates that the device is functioning appropriately in maintaining the desired heart rate.