The nurse notes that a client has ataxia. Which test does the nurse use to gain more information about this client's gait?

Choice A reason: Advances in surgical techniques and procedures have improved the outcomes of many patients, but they are not the main factor for the increase in life expectancy. Surgical interventions are often costly, risky, and inaccessible to many people, especially in developing countries.

Choice B reason: Sanitation and other public health activities have had a significant impact on reducing mortality from infectious diseases, such as cholera, typhoid, and tuberculosis. These activities include providing safe water, improving hygiene, promoting vaccination, and controlling vector-borne diseases. Sanitation and public health measures are relatively low-cost, effective, and preventive strategies that can benefit large populations.

Choice C reason: Technology increases in the field of medical laboratory research have contributed to the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and genetic disorders. However, these technologies are often expensive, complex, and dependent on specialized equipment and personnel. Therefore, they are not the main reason for the increase in life expectancy.

Choice D reason: The use of antibiotics to fight infections has been a major breakthrough in medicine, saving millions of lives from bacterial infections. However, antibiotics have also led to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which pose a serious threat to public health. Moreover, antibiotics are not effective against viral infections, such as influenza, HIV, and COVID-19. Therefore, antibiotics are not the most responsible factor for the increase in life expectancy.

Choice A reason: Initiating a plan of care for a client who is postoperative from an appendectomy is not a task that the RN should delegate to the LPN, as it requires nursing judgment, critical thinking, and assessment skills that are beyond the scope of practice of the LPN. The RN is responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating the plan of care for each client based on their individual needs, preferences, and goals. The RN can delegate some aspects of the plan of care to the LPN, such as performing routine tasks or monitoring the client's status, but the RN must supervise and evaluate the LPN's performance.

Choice B reason: Administering a tap-water enema to a client who is preoperative is a task that the RN can delegate to the LPN, as it is a standardized procedure that does not require nursing judgment or assessment. The LPN has the knowledge and skills to perform this task safely and effectively, following the established policies and protocols of the facility. The RN should provide clear instructions and expectations to the LPN, such as the type, amount, and temperature of the solution, the position and comfort of the client, and the signs and symptoms to report. The RN should also verify that the LPN has completed the task and documented the outcome.

Choice C reason: Providing discharge instructions to a confused client's spouse is not a task that the RN should delegate to the LPN, as it involves teaching, counseling, and evaluating the client's and family's understanding and readiness for discharge. These are complex activities that require nursing judgment, communication skills, and evaluation skills that are beyond the scope of practice of the LPN. The RN is responsible for ensuring that the client and family receive adequate information and education about the client's condition, treatment, medications, follow-up care, and community resources. The RN can delegate some aspects of discharge planning to the LPN, such as collecting data or providing reinforcement of teaching, but the RN must supervise and evaluate the LPN's performance.

Choice D reason: Catheterizing a client who has not voided in 8 hours is a task that the RN can delegate to the LPN, as it is a standardized procedure that does not require nursing judgment or assessment. The LPN has the knowledge and skills to perform this task safely and effectively, following the established policies and protocols of the facility. The RN should provide clear instructions and expectations to the LPN, such as the type and size of the catheter, the sterile technique, and the urine output measurement. The RN should also verify that the LPN has completed the task and documented the outcome.

Choice E reason: Obtaining vital signs from a client who is 6 hours postoperative is a task that the RN can delegate to the LPN, as it is a routine task that does not require nursing judgment or assessment. The LPN has the knowledge and skills to perform this task safely and effectively, using appropriate equipment and techniques. The RN should provide clear instructions and expectations to the LPN, such as the frequency and parameters of vital signs monitoring. The RN should also verify that the LPN has completed the task and documented the outcome.