Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Leadership Roles and Management Functions Related

Review Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Leadership Roles and Management Functions related questions and content

An LPN, serving as team leader to a team consisting of LPNs and nursing assistants, is making client assignments. Which client situation should prompt the team leader to use acuity measures to reduce an LPN's assignment?

  • A. A client who demonstrates oxygen desaturation with minimal exertion
  • B. A client with dementia who is combative during medication administration
  • C. A client who requires the assistance of two for ambulation
  • D. A client who requires several intravenous antibiotics to treat a septic infection
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Acuity refers to the severity of the illness and the rapidity of change in the client, and thus the intensity of medical and nursing care and other therapies required. A client who desaturates with minimal exertion is at risk for respiratory compromise and respiratory arrest. This will require careful and frequent assessment that will limit the time the nurse will have for other client interactions. Dementia is a chronic condition making daily activities such as medication administration, but it does not require the frequent assessment that the client who demonstrates oxygen desaturation requires. The client who requires assistance with ambulation also is not at risk for severe complications like the client with oxygen desaturation. A client with multiple intravenous antibiotics should improve as treatment progresses and does not require the level of assessment and care that the client with oxygen desaturation will require.