A nurse delegates a task to an assistive personnel (AP) and the AP refuses to complete the assigned task. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Report the AP to the risk manager.
Assign the task to another AP.
Perform the task on behalf of the AP.
Discuss the AP's concerns about performing the task.
The Correct Answer is D
Delegation in nursing involves assigning appropriate tasks to assistive personnel while maintaining accountability for patient outcomes. When an assistive personnel refuses an assignment, the nurse must assess the reason for refusal before taking corrective or punitive action. Effective delegation requires communication, clarification of expectations, and evaluation of competency or safety concerns. The goal is to ensure patient safety while maintaining a functional and collaborative team environment.
Rationale:
A. Reporting the AP to the risk manager is inappropriate as an immediate response because refusal may be due to legitimate concerns such as lack of training or unsafe assignment. Risk management involvement is reserved for unresolved or repeated issues after assessment and communication. Immediate escalation without understanding the cause does not support effective problem-solving.
B. Assigning the task to another AP may resolve the immediate workload issue but does not address the underlying reason for refusal. This approach may perpetuate unsafe practice if the task is inappropriate for assistive personnel or if multiple staff have similar concerns. Proper delegation requires evaluating appropriateness rather than simply reassigning tasks.
C. Performing the task on behalf of the AP is not appropriate as a routine response because it undermines delegation principles and may lead to nurse workload imbalance. While patient safety is always a priority, the nurse should first determine why the task was refused. Direct replacement should only occur if the task is urgent and cannot be safely delegated.
D. Discussing the AP’s concerns is the correct first action because it allows the nurse to identify whether the refusal is based on lack of competency, misunderstanding, workload issues, or safety concerns. In effective delegation systems, communication is essential to ensure tasks are appropriate and safely assigned. This aligns with principles of delegation and teamwork in nursing practice, including safe delegation to Assistive personnel.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Risk factor identification in a client with coronary artery disease (Coronary artery disease) involves evaluating lifestyle, laboratory findings, and medication use that may influence thrombotic risk, lipid balance, and vascular function. Coronary artery disease results from progressive atherosclerosis, leading to reduced myocardial perfusion and recurrent anginal symptoms. In postmenopausal women, certain hormone therapies can significantly increase cardiovascular risk by promoting a prothrombotic and lipid-altering state. Nurses must recognize modifiable and iatrogenic contributors to worsening coronary perfusion.
Rationale:
A. The use of conjugated estrogen is a significant cardiovascular risk factor because exogenous estrogen therapy increases the risk of thromboembolic events and may worsen coronary artery disease. Estrogen can promote hypercoagulability, increase inflammatory mediators, and negatively influence vascular endothelial function. In a client already experiencing frequent angina, this medication may further destabilize coronary perfusion and should be reviewed carefully with the provider.
B. Fish oil supplementation is generally considered cardioprotective due to its potential triglyceride-lowering and anti-inflammatory effects. It is not associated with increased coronary artery disease risk and may support cardiovascular health when used appropriately. Therefore, it is not a risk factor in this clinical context.
C. A total cholesterol level of 150 mg/dL falls within a generally acceptable range and does not indicate hypercholesterolemia. While lipid management remains important in coronary artery disease, this value alone does not represent a current risk factor contributing to disease progression. LDL is also within near-normal limits.
D. The client’s vegan diet is typically associated with reduced cardiovascular risk due to lower saturated fat intake and improved lipid profiles. Plant-based diets are often protective against atherosclerosis when balanced appropriately. Therefore, diet in this case is not contributing as a risk factor for coronary artery disease progression.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Fluid volume excess occurs when there is an accumulation of intravascular and interstitial fluid beyond the body’s regulatory capacity, often due to renal, cardiac, or endocrine dysfunction. It leads to increased hydrostatic pressure, resulting in fluid shifting into tissues and body cavities. Clinical manifestations are primarily respiratory, cardiovascular, and peripheral in nature. Nurses must recognize early signs of pulmonary congestion and systemic fluid overload to prevent complications such as pulmonary edema and respiratory distress.
Rationale:
A. Crackles in the lungs are an expected finding in fluid volume excess because excess fluid shifts into the alveolar spaces, reducing effective gas exchange. This leads to the presence of wet, popping sounds on auscultation, particularly in dependent lung regions. In the context of fluid overload, crackles indicate pulmonary congestion and potential progression toward pulmonary edema, requiring prompt intervention.
B. Weak peripheral pulses are more commonly associated with fluid volume deficit or decreased cardiac output. In fluid volume excess, pulses are typically bounding due to increased circulating volume and elevated hydrostatic pressure. Therefore, weak pulses are not expected in this condition.
C. Weight loss is inconsistent with fluid volume excess because excess fluid causes rapid weight gain rather than loss. Daily weight increase is one of the most sensitive indicators of fluid retention. A decrease in weight would suggest fluid loss or dehydration instead.
D. Increased hematocrit is typically seen in fluid volume deficit due to hemoconcentration. In fluid volume excess, hematocrit is usually decreased because of hemodilution from increased plasma volume. Therefore, an elevated hematocrit does not align with this condition.
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