A client reports feeling numbness and tingling in the extremities. Which of the client's serum laboratory values should the practical nurse (PN) review before reporting the finding?

The correct answer is **b. Oral feeding of a two-year-old child after application of a hip spica cast.**

Choice A rationale:

Participation in staff rounds to record notes regarding client goals is not an appropriate task to delegate to a UAP. This task requires clinical assessment, judgment, and documentation skills that are within the scope of practice of a licensed practical nurse (PN), but not a UAP.

Choice B rationale:

Oral feeding of a two-year-old child after application of a hip spica cast is an appropriate task that the PN can delegate to a UAP. Feeding a stable patient is a routine task that does not require advanced nursing skills or clinical judgment. As long as the child is not at high risk for complications, this task can be safely delegated to a UAP with proper training and supervision.

Choice C rationale:

Evaluation of a client's incisional pain following narcotic administration is not an appropriate task to delegate to a UAP. This task requires clinical assessment, evaluation of medication effects, and critical thinking skills that are within the scope of practice of a PN, but not a UAP.

Choice D rationale:

Assessment of the placement and patency of a nasogastric feeding tube is not an appropriate task to delegate to a UAP. This task requires specialized nursing skills and clinical judgment to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the feeding tube. It is within the scope of practice of a PN, but not a UAP.

The correct answer is Choice A. Temperature. Choice A rationale:

The practical nurse (PN) should complete the data collection for temperature first. A large amount of sanguineous drainage on the abdominal incision dressing could indicate possible infection or a change in the client's condition. Elevated temperature may be an early sign of infection, which requires immediate attention and appropriate intervention.

Choice B rationale:

Assessing the pain scale is important, but it can be addressed after completing the data collection for temperature. Pain assessment is essential for providing appropriate pain management, but it is not the most urgent concern when there is a significant amount of drainage from the incision site.

Choice C rationale:

Checking bowel sounds is relevant in postoperative care, but it is not the priority at this moment. Abdominal incision drainage takes precedence as it may indicate a more critical issue that requires immediate attention.

Choice D rationale:

Monitoring blood pressure is essential, but it is not the most immediate concern in this scenario. A large amount of sanguineous drainage from the abdominal incision takes precedence over blood pressure monitoring at this time.