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A nurse is planning care for four clients and is assigning tasks to a licensed practical nurse (LPN) and an assistive personnel (AP). Which of the following should the nurse assign to the LPN?
- A. Measure 1&O for a client who has an indwelling urinary catheter.
- B. Reinforce teaching to a client to begin taking enoxaparin at home following a hip arthroplasty.
- C. Develop a plan of care for a client who has cholecystitis.
- D. Complete an admission assessment for a client who has COPD.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because reinforcing teaching to a client about medication administration falls within the scope of practice for an LPN. LPNs are trained to provide education on medication administration and can reinforce teaching provided by the nurse.
Choice A is incorrect because measuring intake and output for a client with an indwelling urinary catheter requires specific nursing assessment skills that LPNs may not have.
Choice C is incorrect because developing a plan of care for a client with cholecystitis involves critical thinking and decision-making skills typically performed by a registered nurse.
Choice D is incorrect as completing an admission assessment for a client with COPD requires comprehensive assessment skills that are typically within the scope of practice for a registered nurse.
Therefore, choice B is the most appropriate task to assign to an LPN in this scenario.
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A nurse notes a provider frequently arrives to the unit with bloodshot eyes and smells like alcohol after lunch. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Inform the state medical board for an immediate investigation.
- B. Counsel the provider to determine the cause of the substance abuse.
- C. Notify the nursing supervisor of the concerns.
- D. Encourage clients to change to a different provider.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Notify the nursing supervisor of the concerns. This is the most appropriate action because it allows for immediate intervention by someone in authority to address the provider's behavior. The nursing supervisor is in a position to assess the situation, determine the appropriate course of action, and provide support to the nurse in dealing with this sensitive issue. Reporting to the state medical board (choice A) may be premature and could potentially harm the provider's career without first addressing the issue internally. Counseling the provider (choice B) may not be effective if there is a serious substance abuse problem. Encouraging clients to change providers (choice D) is not the nurse's responsibility and may not address the root cause of the issue.
A nurse is planning to delegate a task to an assistive personnel (AP). Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
- A. Determine the social skills of the AP.
- B. Assess the AP's ability to follow the client's teaching plan.
- C. Provide a clear description of the task to the AP.
- D. Evaluate the ability of the AP to work with peers.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Provide a clear description of the task to the AP. This is essential in delegation to ensure the AP understands what is expected. Determining social skills (A) and evaluating ability to work with peers (D) are not directly related to task delegation. Assessing ability to follow a teaching plan (B) is important but not the primary focus in task delegation.
A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a hip replacement. The client's surgical drain has minimal output. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
- A. Notify the provider of the minimal drain output.
- B. Flush the drain with sterile saline.
- C. Document the drain output in the medical record.
- D. Check the drain for kinks or obstructions.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Checking the drain for kinks or obstructions is the first step to determine if the minimal output is due to a mechanical issue, which can often be resolved without further intervention.
A charge nurse is planning care for a unit with limited staffing due to a flu outbreak. Which of the following actions should the charge nurse prioritize?
- A. Assign assistive personnel to provide client education on hand hygiene.
- B. Ensure all clients receive their scheduled baths on time.
- C. Reassess clients with unstable vital signs every 2 hours.
- D. Delegate documentation of intake and output to the unit clerk.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Reassess clients with unstable vital signs every 2 hours. This is the priority because clients with unstable vital signs require frequent monitoring to detect any deterioration or changes in their condition promptly. This action directly impacts patient safety and allows for timely intervention if needed.
Assigning assistive personnel for client education (A) is important for infection control but may not be the priority during a staffing shortage. Ensuring scheduled baths (B) is important for hygiene but can be delayed if necessary. Delegating documentation of intake and output (D) to the unit clerk is not appropriate as it involves clinical judgment and assessment.
A nurse is preparing to discharge a client who has a new prescription for warfarin. Which of the following tasks should the nurse delegate to an assistive personnel (AP)?
- A. Teach the client about dietary restrictions with warfarin.
- B. Provide the client with written discharge instructions.
- C. Assist the client with packing personal belongings.
- D. Schedule a follow-up appointment for the client.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Assisting the client with packing personal belongings is a non-clinical task within the AP's scope of practice. Teaching, providing instructions, and scheduling appointments require nursing expertise.