Which instruction will the nurse plan to include in discharge teaching for a patient who was admitted with a sickle cell crisis?

Choice A reason: Insert indwelling urinary catheter. This task requires clinical judgment, sterile technique, and expertise. It is an invasive procedure that should be performed by a registered nurse or a physician.
Choice B reason: Monitor IV D5 1/2 NS with 20 mEq KCl at 75 m/hr. Monitoring IV fluids and medications involves assessing the patient’s response to treatment, recognizing potential complications, and making clinical decisions. This task requires the expertise of a registered nurse.
Choice C reason: Empty urinary catheter and measure the output. This task can be delegated to a nursing aide as it involves routine measurement and documentation, which does not require clinical judgment. It is a simple procedure that can be safely performed by a trained aide.
Choice D reason: Collect a stool sample for occult blood testing. This is a straightforward task that can be delegated to a nursing aide. It involves collecting and labeling the sample correctly, which does not require advanced clinical skills or judgment.
Choice E reason: Daily weights. This task can be safely delegated to a nursing aide. It involves measuring and recording the patient’s weight, which is a routine procedure and does not require clinical judgment.
Choice F reason: Notify the MD of any signs of bleeding. This task involves assessing the patient for signs of bleeding, which requires clinical judgment and should be performed by a registered nurse. The nurse must determine the significance of the findings and communicate them appropriately to the physician.
Choice G reason: Vital signs every 4 hours. Monitoring vital signs is a routine task that can be delegated to a nursing aide. It involves measuring and recording the patient’s blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature, which does not require advanced clinical skills.

Choice A reason: The patient is alert and oriented x4. This indicates that the patient is fully aware of their surroundings and does not require follow-up for this finding.
Choice B reason: The patient reports nausea. Nausea can be a symptom of many underlying conditions, including gastrointestinal issues or medication side effects, and requires follow-up to determine the cause and provide appropriate treatment.
Choice C reason: The abdomen is tender to palpation. Abdominal tenderness can indicate inflammation, infection, or other abdominal pathology, which requires follow-up to identify the underlying cause and provide appropriate management.
Choice D reason: The patient is 60 years old. This is a demographic detail and does not indicate a medical condition requiring follow-up.
Choice E reason: The patient has dark amber urine. Dark amber urine can be an indication of dehydration or other underlying conditions that require follow-up to identify and address the cause.
Choice F reason: The patient's oral temperature is 102.4°F. A fever indicates the presence of an infection or other health issue that needs to be investigated and managed.
Choice G reason: The patient is voiding without difficulty. This indicates that there are no issues with urinary function, so no follow-up is required for this finding.