The practical nurse (PN) should collect the following information during the admission assessment of a terminally ill client to an acute care facility:

Based on the provided information, the following components should be included in the treatment regimen for this client:

• Oral anti-diabetic:

  While oral medications are common in managing type 2 diabetes, the current information does not suggest immediate initiation of pharmacotherapy based solely on the random blood sugar result without further evaluation.

• Weight-reduction treatment: With a BMI of 28, the client is considered overweight. Weight reduction is an important aspect of managing diabetes and improving overall health. The treatment regimen should include strategies to promote weight loss, such as dietary modifications and increased physical activity.
• Exercise planning: Regular exercise is beneficial for managing diabetes and promoting overall health. The treatment regimen should include an exercise plan tailored to the client's abilities and preferences. This may involve aerobic exercises, strength training, and flexibility exercises.
• Nutrition education: Nutrition plays a crucial role in diabetes management. The client should receive education on healthy eating habits, portion control, carbohydrate counting, and the importance of a balanced diet. The treatment regimen should include ongoing nutrition education and support.

The following options should not be included in the treatment regimen for this client:

• Short-acting insulin: Based on the information provided, there is no indication for the immediate use of short-acting insulin in this client.
• Long-acting insulin: Similar to short-acting insulin, there is no indication for the immediate use of long-acting insulin in this client.
• Extra carbohydrates: Extra carbohydrates may not be necessary for this client unless prescribed by a healthcare professional to manage hypoglycemia or specific dietary needs.

This question is related to the responsibilities and scope of practice of a practical nurse (PN) and a medication aide. A medication aide is a certified nursing assistant (CNA) who is responsible for administering daily medication to patients under the supervision of a licensed nurse, such as a PN or a registered nurse (RN). A PN is a licensed nurse who can provide routine care, observe patients’ health, assist doctors and RNs, and communicate instructions to patients regarding medication, home-based care, and preventative lifestyle changes.

Based on this information, the best action that the PN should take in this situation is c. Assign the remainder of medication administration to another PN who is performing treatments. This is because it would ensure that the medication administration is completed by another licensed nurse who has the knowledge, skills, and authority to do so. The PN who is performing treatments may have some spare time or be able to rearrange their schedule to accommodate the additional task. The PN should also communicate with the other PN and the medication aide about the situation and document the change of assignment in the patients’ records.

Option a is not a good choice, because it would be unfair and unethical to deny the medication aide’s request to leave if they are sick. The medication aide’s health and well-being are also important, and forcing them to stay and work could compromise their safety and the quality of care they provide to the patients.

Option b is not a good choice, because it would be outside the scope of practice of the UAPs to give medications to the patients. UAPs are not trained or certified to administer medications, and doing so could pose serious risks to the patients’ health and safety. The PN would also be liable for any errors or adverse outcomes that may result from the UAPs’ actions.

Option d is not a good choice, because it would not solve the problem of the medication administration being incomplete. Documenting why the medications were not given is important, but it is not enough to ensure that the patients receive their prescribed drugs and treatments. The PN still has the responsibility to find a way to complete the medication administration or delegate it to another qualified and available person.