A charge nurse notices that two staff nurses are not taking meal breaks during their shifts. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Choice A reason: Asking the provider to delay the client's discharge home for a few more days is not an appropriate action for the nurse to take. This would not address the partner's concerns or the client's needs. It would also increase the risk of hospital-acquired infections and complications for the client.

Choice B reason: Seeking out another family member to assist the client's partner with care is not an appropriate action for the nurse to take. This would not respect the partner's autonomy or the client's wishes. It would also assume that there is another family member who is willing and able to provide care.

Choice C reason: Contacting a case manager to discuss hospice options is the appropriate action for the nurse to take. This would provide the client and the partner with information and support regarding end-of-life care. Hospice care focuses on improving the quality of life and comfort of clients with terminal illnesses and their families.

Choice D reason: Advising the partner to place the client in a long-term care facility is not an appropriate action for the nurse to take. This would not respect the partner's feelings or the client's preferences. It would also imply that the nurse is judging the partner's decision or ability to care for the client.

Choice A: Ambulate the client

Ambulating the client is a task that can be safely delegated to assistive personnel. The client has right-sided weakness following a cerebrovascular accident, and assistive personnel can help the client move around safely¹.

Choice B: Document the client's urine output

Documenting the client's urine output is another task that can be delegated to assistive personnel. They are trained to measure and record urine output, which is important for monitoring the client's fluid balance¹.

Choice C: Assist the client with completing their food menu

Assistive personnel can also help the client with completing their food menu. This task does not require clinical judgement and can be safely delegated¹.

Choice D: Instruct the client on swallowing techniques

Instructing the client on swallowing techniques should not be delegated to assistive personnel. This task requires specialized knowledge and skills that are beyond the scope of practice for assistive personnel².

Choice E: Obtain the client's vital signs

Obtaining the client's vital signs is a task that can be delegated to assistive personnel. They are trained to accurately measure and record vital signs, which are crucial for monitoring the client's health status¹.

Choice F: Refer the client to the speech language pathologist

Referring the client to the speech language pathologist is not a task that can be delegated to assistive personnel. This decision requires clinical judgement and should be made by the nurse².