Which term best describes sickle cell disease?

A. This task is appropriate for UAP to perform, as it involves basic hygiene and does not require nursing judgment or clinical assessment. UAP can assist with routine oral care under the direction of the RN.
B. Assisting with position changes is a basic care activity that UAP can perform. This task helps prevent pressure ulcers and maintains client comfort, and it does not require the clinical judgment of a nurse.
C. Administering IV medications or fluids is a nursing task that requires specific training and knowledge of nursing assessments, potential complications, and monitoring. This task should only be performed by a licensed nurse, not by UAP.
D. UAP can document basic measurements such as urine output, as this is a straightforward task that does not require clinical judgment. However, the RN should ensure that the UAP understands how to accurately measure and record this information.
E. While UAP can observe and report general changes, monitoring for clinical indications of dehydration requires nursing assessment skills and judgment. This task should be performed by an RN.
F. While UAP can weigh clients, the assessment of weight trends requires clinical judgment and interpretation of data, which falls under the responsibilities of a licensed nurse. The RN should evaluate and interpret the data regarding the client's health status.

A. While concerns about making false reports are understandable, they should not prevent a nurse from reporting suspected abuse. In many jurisdictions, "good faith" reporting protects individuals who report suspected abuse from liability, even if the report turns out to be false.
B. A nurse does not need concrete evidence to report suspected child abuse. The law typically requires that suspicion alone is sufficient to warrant a report. Nurses are encouraged to report any suspicion of abuse to ensure that the appropriate authorities can investigate.
C. Commitment from a potential abuser to stop the abuse does not negate the responsibility to report. Mandatory reporting laws require that any suspicion of child abuse be reported to the appropriate authorities, regardless of the abuser's intentions.
D. This statement accurately reflects the legal obligation of health care professionals. If a nurse has any suspicion of child abuse, they are mandated to report it to the appropriate authorities. This ensures that investigations can occur and that children are protected from potential harm.