The nurse determines that an IV vesicant chemotherapy infusion is infiltrated. In responding to this finding, which task can the nurse delegate to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?

Choice A Reason: This client has a potential airway obstruction and needs close monitoring by the nurse. Laryngeal nerve damage can cause vocal cord paralysis, which can lead to respiratory distress and aspiration.

Choice B Reason: This client needs education on the medication and its side effects, but this can be done by the PN under the supervision of the nurse. Levothyroxine is a synthetic thyroid hormone that replaces deficient hormones in hypothyroidism.

Choice C Reason: This client needs ongoing management of diabetes, but this can be done by the PN under the supervision of the nurse. Glycosylated Hgb (Hgb A1C) is a measure of the average blood glucose level over the past three months.

Choice D Reason: This client has a life-threatening condition that requires immediate treatment with corticosteroids, but this can be done by the PN under the supervision of the nurse. Addison's crisis is a severe form of adrenal insufficiency that causes hypotension, shock, and electrolyte imbalance.

Choice A Reason: Demonstrating how to complete an adverse occurrence or variance report is important, but not the most important objective. This report is a tool for quality improvement and risk management, but it does not prevent litigation by itself. The nurse should also communicate effectively with the client and/or their family, and document the incident and the actions taken.

Choice B Reason: Discussing how to handle complaints from clients and/or their families is the most important objective, as it can help prevent or resolve conflicts, and avoid escalation to legal action. The nurse should listen empathetically, acknowledge the client's feelings and concerns, apologize if appropriate, explain the situation and the plan of care, and involve the supervisor or other resources if needed.

Choice C Reason: Describing how to obtain legal services if needed is relevant, but not the most important objective.

This objective implies that litigation is inevitable or expected, which may create a negative or defensive attitude in the staff nurses. The nurse should focus on preventing litigation by providing safe and quality care and building trust and rapport with the clients and/or their families.

Choice D Reason: Maintaining personal malpractice insurance is advisable, but not the most important objective. This objective may protect the nurse's personal assets in case of a lawsuit, but it does not prevent litigation from occurring. The nurse should follow the standards of practice and the policies and procedures of the organization, and document accurately and thoroughly.