A nurse in a provider's office is reviewing the laboratory findings for a client who is scheduled for surgery. Which of the following findings requires follow up by the nurse?

Client 3: Collect and label specimen.

Assistive personnel- Assistive personnel can handle the collection and labeling of specimens, which is a routine task that does not require advanced clinical judgment.

Client 1: Perform prescribed procedure.

Practical Nurse- Insertion of a nasogastric tube is a procedure that requires clinical skills and knowledge, making it appropriate for a licensed practical nurse (LPN) to perform.

Client 3: Administer prescribed medication.

Practical Nurse- Administering medication is within the scope of practice for a practical nurse, as they are trained to handle medications and monitor their effects.

Client 4: Perform prescribed testing.

Assistive personnel- Testing such as using a glucometer for blood glucose monitoring can be performed by assistive personnel under the supervision of a registered nurse or practical nurse.

Client 4: Provide prescribed wound care.

Practical Nurse- Wound care, especially for a non-healing wound and cellulitis, requires clinical assessment and skills that a practical nurse is trained to provide.

Client 2: Transport client for diagnostic testing.

Assistive personnel- Transporting clients to diagnostic testing is a task that can be safely performed by assistive personnel.

Rationale:

A. Inform the state medical board for an immediate investigation is not the initial step; concerns should first be reported to appropriate facility personnel.

B. Counsel the provider to determine the cause of the substance abuse is not the nurse’s role; this is a serious issue that requires reporting rather than counseling.

C. Notify the nursing supervisor of the concerns is the appropriate initial step to address the issue according to facility protocol.

D. Encourage clients to change to a different provider is not within the nurse’s scope of practice for handling the provider's behavior and does not address the root issue.