Which task could a nurse delegate to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) assigned to a cardiac surgery unit?

Take this medication at least 30 minutes before ingesting any food or medication.

This is because alendronate (Fosamax) is a bisphosphonate that works by inhibiting the breakdown and reabsorption of bone. However, it has a very low bioavailability, which means that only a small amount of the drug is absorbed into the bloodstream when taken orally. Therefore, taking it with food or other medications can interfere with its absorption and reduce its effectiveness.

The other choices are wrong because:

A. Chew the tablet well and report any difficulty swallowing. This is wrong because alendronate tablets should not be chewed or crushed, but swallowed whole with a full glass of plain water. Chewing or crushing the tablets can increase the risk of irritation or damage to the esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach). Difficulty swallowing is a possible side effect of alendronate and should be reported to the doctor, but it is not an instruction for taking the medication.

B. Take the medication with six to eight ounces of milk. This is wrong because milk contains calcium, which can bind to alendronate and prevent its absorption. Alendronate should not be taken with any beverages other than plain water.

C. Lie down for 15 to 30 minutes after taking the medication. This is wrong because lying down after taking alendronate can increase the risk of esophageal irritation or

ulceration. Alendronate should be taken in the morning, at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything, and the person should remain upright (sitting or standing) for at least 30 minutes after taking it.

Normal ranges for bone density are expressed as T-scores, which compare a person’s bone density to that of a healthy young adult of the same sex. A T-score of -1.0 or above is normal, a T-score between -1.0 and -2.5 indicates low bone density (osteopenia), and a T-score of -2.5 or below indicates osteoporosis.

This is because hepatitis C is a viral infection that spreads through contaminated blood and body fluids. IV drug use is one of the most common ways to get hepatitis C, especially if people share needles or other equipment.

Choice A is wrong because drinking contaminated water is not a risk factor for hepatitis

C. Hepatitis A and E are transmitted by the fecal-oral route, which can happen through contaminated water.

Choice B is wrong because eating raw chicken is not a risk factor for hepatitis C. Hepatitis E can be transmitted by eating undercooked meat from infected animals, but not chicken.

Choice D is wrong because unprotected intercourse is not a major risk factor for hepatitis

C. Hepatitis B and D are more likely to be transmitted by sexual contact than hepatitis

C. However, having multiple sexual partners or having sexually transmitted diseases can increase the risk of hepatitis

C. Normal ranges for hepatitis C tests depend on the type of test and the laboratory that performs it.

Some common tests are:

• Anti-HCV antibody test: This test detects antibodies to the hepatitis C virus in the blood.

A positive result means that the person has been exposed to the virus, but does not necessarily mean that they have an active infection. A negative result means that the person has never been exposed to the virus or has cleared it from their body.

• HCV RNA test: This test measures the amount of hepatitis C virus in the blood.

A positive result means that the person has an active infection and can transmit the virus to others. A negative result means that the person does not have an active infection or has cleared it from their body.

• HCV genotype test: This test identifies the strain or type of hepatitis C virus that the person has. There are six major genotypes of hepatitis C, numbered 1 to 6, and each one may respond differently to treatment.