To prepare staffing schedules, a nurse manager needs to calculate paid nonproductive time. When calculating paid nonproductive time, the nurse considers

A. This is a primary responsibility of case management services. Case managers coordinate various aspects of a client’s care, including arranging for home health care services. They work with healthcare providers and agencies to ensure the client receives the necessary services and resources, such as nursing care, physical therapy, or other supportive services at home.
B. Writing prescriptions is the responsibility of licensed healthcare providers such as physicians or nurse practitioners, not case managers. Case managers do not have the authority to prescribe medications; instead, they focus on coordinating care and ensuring that clients have access to the necessary resources and services.
C. Performing specific nursing skills, such as dressing changes, is within the scope of practice for registered nurses or other licensed nursing professionals. Case managers typically do not provide direct clinical care or perform nursing procedures. Their role is more focused on coordinating care and ensuring that clinical needs are met through appropriate services and providers.
D. Providing education about medication adverse effects falls within the role of healthcare providers who prescribe and manage medications, such as physicians, nurse practitioners, or pharmacists. While case managers may assist in coordinating educational resources and facilitating communication between the client and healthcare providers, they generally do not provide direct medication education.

A. Waiting to empty a colostomy bag until it is completely full can lead to complications such as leakage, skin irritation, or infection. This practice does not effectively save resources and could potentially increase overall costs due to additional care needs and complications.
B. Encouraging clients to receive an annual flu immunization is an appropriate and effective method to reduce costs. Vaccinations help prevent the spread of infectious diseases, which can reduce the incidence of illness and the associated costs of treatment and hospitalizations.
C. Re-using personal protective equipment (PPE) is not safe or recommended. PPE is designed for single- use to prevent the spread of infections and ensure the safety of both healthcare workers and patients. Re-using PPE, even if it is not visibly soiled, compromises infection control standards and can lead to increased costs and health risks if infections occur. This approach is neither cost-effective nor safe.
D. Head-to-toe assessments are critical for patient evaluation and require the expertise and judgment of a licensed nurse. Delegating this responsibility to assistive personnel (AP) is inappropriate and could jeopardize patient safety. While delegating tasks to APs can help manage workload, it is important to assign tasks within the scope of their training and responsibilities.