A nurse in a provider's office is caring for a group of clients who have communicable diseases. Which of the following infections should the nurse report to the state health department?

A) Assist the client with range-of-motion exercises of the hands:
This task is appropriate for the assistive personnel (AP) as it is a routine, non-invasive intervention that can help maintain mobility and prevent contractures in the hands. The AP can assist with range-of-motion exercises, following proper technique, and reporting any abnormalities to the nurse. This falls within the AP's scope of practice and can be delegated to them effectively.

B) Determine the circulation status of the affected extremities every hr:
Assessing circulation is a nursing responsibility and requires clinical judgment to identify signs of impaired circulation, such as color changes, pulse, or temperature of the skin. This task cannot be delegated to an AP, as it requires a nurse’s skill to interpret findings and take appropriate action.

C) Instruct the client's family about the purpose of mitten restraints:
Educating the client's family about the use of mitten restraints is a responsibility of the nurse, not the AP. This involves assessing the family’s understanding, providing relevant information, and answering any questions they may have. Only licensed healthcare professionals are responsible for providing education about the purpose and use of restraints.

D) Evaluate the need for the client to remain in mitten restraints:
Evaluating the necessity of restraints involves assessing the client's condition, safety, and overall care needs. This requires critical thinking and professional judgment and should be performed by the nurse, not the AP. The nurse must determine if the restraints continue to be necessary or if they can be removed, ensuring the client’s safety and dignity.

A. Chronic health condition: The client has a history of Parkinson’s disease and anxiety, which are relevant but not immediate concerns. Chronic conditions require long-term management rather than urgent intervention.
B. Current level of consciousness: The client is restless and not following commands, which may indicate hypoxia, worsening infection, or sepsis. A change in mental status is a critical finding requiring immediate evaluation.
C. Oxygen saturation level: The oxygen saturation is 89% on room air, which is below the normal range (≥95%). This suggests respiratory compromise, likely due to pneumonia, requiring urgent oxygen support.
D. Heart rate: The client has a heart rate of 104/min, which is mildly elevated and expected due to fever and respiratory distress. However, it is not the most critical concern compared to respiratory distress and altered mental status.
E. Respiratory rate: The respiratory rate is 30/min, indicating tachypnea and increased work of breathing, suggesting respiratory distress or impending respiratory failure. This requires immediate intervention.
F. Tremors: Tremors are a common finding in Parkinson’s disease and do not require immediate intervention.