A charge nurse is observing a licensed practical nurse assist a client who has dysphagia while eating. Which of the following actions by the LPN should the charge nurse identify as providing safe care?

a. "You can ask an AP to teach a simple task to a client."

While assistive personnel may assist with client education under the supervision of a licensed nurse, the primary responsibility for teaching tasks to clients usually rests with licensed healthcare providers.

b. "You should assign tasks you are unfamiliar with to an experienced AP."

Delegating tasks to assistive personnel should be based on their competency and the complexity of the task, not necessarily on the nurse's familiarity with it. It is essential to delegate tasks that the AP is trained and competent to perform.

c. "If you are unsure about an AP’s ability, observe them performing the task."

This is the correct statement. It emphasizes the importance of assessing an assistive personnel's competence by observing their performance before delegating tasks, especially if there is uncertainty about their abilities.

d. "The person who delegates a task is not held accountable for the outcome."

This statement is incorrect. The person delegating a task is ultimately accountable for ensuring that the task is performed correctly and safely. Delegation does not relieve the delegator of accountability.

a. "You must choose a member of your family to serve as your health care proxy":

This response is not accurate. While family members are often chosen as healthcare proxies, the client is not required to select a family member. The most important consideration is choosing someone who understands the client's healthcare wishes and is willing and able to advocate for them. The nurse should emphasize the importance of selecting a trusted individual, whether they are a family member or not.

b. "A health care proxy can make decisions for you when you are unable to do so":

This response is accurate. A healthcare proxy is a legal document that allows an individual to appoint someone else to make healthcare decisions on their behalf if they become unable to do so due to illness or incapacity. The nurse should explain the role of a healthcare proxy in advocating for the client's wishes and ensuring that their healthcare preferences are honored.

c. "You should appoint a health care proxy before undergoing an invasive procedure":

While it is advisable for clients to have advance directives, including a healthcare proxy, in place before undergoing any medical procedure, this response does not fully address the client's question. The timing of appointing a healthcare proxy should not be limited to specific medical procedures but should be based on the client's readiness to make such decisions and their recognition of the importance of having a designated advocate for their healthcare needs.

d. "It is necessary for an attorney to approve your health care proxy":

This response is not accurate. While it may be helpful to seek legal advice when creating advance directives, including a healthcare proxy, it is not a requirement for an attorney to approve the document. The client can typically complete a healthcare proxy form themselves, following the legal requirements of their jurisdiction. However, consulting with an attorney can provide additional guidance and ensure that the document is properly executed.