A nurse delegates tasks to a licensed practical nurse (LPN) and an assistive personnel (AP). When admitting a client who is experiencing acute liver failure and who has ascites and an NG tube, which of the following tasks is most appropriate for the nurse to delegate to the LPN?

A. "Notify your provider if you experience muscle weakness.": Muscle weakness can be an early sign of hypokalemia, which increases the risk of digoxin toxicity by enhancing the drug’s effects on cardiac tissues. Prompt reporting helps prevent bradyarrhythmias and other serious complications associated with elevated digoxin sensitivity.

B. "Report a weight gain of one-half pound per day.": A gain of 0.5 lb per day is not typically used as a threshold for concern in heart failure management; providers generally focus on gains of 2–3 lb in a day or 5 lb in a week. This small fluctuation is often normal and may simply reflect fluid or dietary changes.

C. "Expect this medication to increase your blood pressure.": Digoxin does not raise blood pressure; its primary action is to improve myocardial contractility and slow heart rate through vagal stimulation. Clients should not expect hypertensive effects, and blood pressure changes are not a primary teaching point.

D. "You will need to take a diuretic while taking this medication.": A diuretic is not automatically required with digoxin because its use depends on the client’s underlying cardiac condition and fluid status. Some diuretics can worsen hypokalemia, increasing the risk for digoxin toxicity, so prescribing them requires careful provider evaluation.

A. A 3-year-old child who has cystic fibrosis: Young children with chronic illnesses are at higher risk for maltreatment due to their dependency on caregivers for complex medical care, frequent hospitalizations, and ongoing supervision. The combination of young age and chronic medical needs increases vulnerability.

B. A 12-year-old child who has diabetes mellitus: While chronic illness can be a risk factor, older children are generally less vulnerable to maltreatment because they have greater independence and ability to communicate needs. Diabetes management in a 12-year-old may be shared with the child, reducing dependence on caregivers.

C. A 6-year-old child who is recovering from mononucleosis: Mononucleosis is typically a self-limiting illness, and recovery usually occurs at home without complex care. This child’s risk for maltreatment is lower compared to a younger child with a chronic condition requiring intensive management.

D. An 8-year-old child who has a fractured tibia following a soccer game: An accidental injury in a school-age child is not inherently associated with maltreatment. This child’s age and the nature of the injury (traumatic but accidental) place them at lower risk for abuse compared with a younger child with chronic health needs.