A client with frequent watery stools and a possible Clostridium difficile infection is hospitalized with dehydration. Which nursing action should the charge nurse assign to an LPN?

A. In many institutions, when a nurse administers a controlled substance and has leftover medication, it is standard practice to have another nurse witness the disposal of the excess. This is a safeguard against misuse and ensures accountability.
B. While a sharps container is appropriate for disposing of needles and other sharp objects, it is not suitable for liquid medications. Discarding liquid medications in a sharps container could lead to contamination and is not compliant with disposal protocols.
C. Medications, especially controlled substances, should never be saved for later use once they have been drawn up or prepared. This practice poses a significant risk for medication errors and misuse.
D. Generally, the waste amount is not sent to the pharmacy. Instead, it should be wasted according to the facility's policy, typically in the presence of another nurse. Sending it to the pharmacy is unnecessary and could create logistical complications.

A. This task is appropriate for UAP to perform, as it involves basic hygiene and does not require nursing judgment or clinical assessment. UAP can assist with routine oral care under the direction of the RN.
B. Assisting with position changes is a basic care activity that UAP can perform. This task helps prevent pressure ulcers and maintains client comfort, and it does not require the clinical judgment of a nurse.
C. Administering IV medications or fluids is a nursing task that requires specific training and knowledge of nursing assessments, potential complications, and monitoring. This task should only be performed by a licensed nurse, not by UAP.
D. UAP can document basic measurements such as urine output, as this is a straightforward task that does not require clinical judgment. However, the RN should ensure that the UAP understands how to accurately measure and record this information.
E. While UAP can observe and report general changes, monitoring for clinical indications of dehydration requires nursing assessment skills and judgment. This task should be performed by an RN.
F. While UAP can weigh clients, the assessment of weight trends requires clinical judgment and interpretation of data, which falls under the responsibilities of a licensed nurse. The RN should evaluate and interpret the data regarding the client's health status.