A charge nurse is delegating care for a group of clients.

Which of the following tasks should the charge nurse assign to a licensed practical nurse?

The correct answer is choice B. Determine the client’s knowledge about diaphragm use. This is the first action the nurse should take because it allows the nurse to assess the client’s readiness to learn, identify any knowledge gaps, and tailor the teaching to the client’s needs.

Some of the other choices are wrong because:

• Choice A. Supervise return demonstration of diaphragm use.

This is not the first action the nurse should take because it assumes that the client already knows how to use the diaphragm correctly and safely. The nurse should first teach the client how to insert, remove, and care for the diaphragm before asking for a return demonstration.

• Choice C. Document the client’s level of understanding about potential adverse effects.

This is not the first action the nurse should take because it is part of the evaluation phase of teaching, not the assessment phase. The nurse should first determine what the client knows and needs to know about diaphragm use and its possible risks and benefits.

• Choice D. Teach the client how to insert the diaphragm.

This is not the first action the nurse should take because it is part of the implementation phase of teaching, not the assessment phase. The nurse should first assess the client’s knowledge, motivation, and preferences before providing instruction on how to use the diaphragm.

A contraceptive diaphragm is a birth control device that prevents sperm from entering the uterus.

It is a small, soft silicone or rubber cup with a flexible rim that covers the cervix.

It is inserted into the vagina with spermicide before sex and is held in place by the pelvic muscles. It is a reusable type of contraception that women can use to avoid getting pregnant.

The correct answer is choice B. Use an ibuterol inhaler.

Choice A rationale:

Completing oral hygiene is important for overall health, but it is not specifically related to the preparation for postural drainage in cystic fibrosis patients. Postural drainage is a technique used to clear mucus from the lungs, and oral hygiene does not directly affect this process.

Choice B rationale:

Using a bronchodilator, such as an ibuterol inhaler, is recommended before postural drainage because it helps to open the airways, making the drainage process more effective. Bronchodilators are often used to relax the muscles around the airways, which can become constricted in conditions like cystic fibrosis.

Choice C rationale:

Taking pancrelipase is related to aiding digestion in cystic fibrosis patients who have pancreatic insufficiency. While it is an important part of the overall management of cystic fibrosis, it is not directly related to the preparation for postural drainage.

Choice D rationale:

Eating a meal before postural drainage is not recommended because a full stomach can make the process uncomfortable and less effective. It is generally advised to perform postural drainage on an empty stomach to ensure that the mucus can be cleared from the lungs more easily.