A nurse is assigning tasks for the upcoming shift. Which of the following tasks should the nurse delegate to assistive personnel (AP)? (Select all that apply.)
Providing postmortem care to a client who has just passed away.
Instructing a client about the use of a spirometer.
Suctioning a client's newly inserted tracheostomy.
Transferring a client to radiology for x-rays.
Performing a simple dressing change on a client's arm.
Correct Answer : A,D,E
The correct answers are Choices A, D, and E.
Choice A rationale: Providing postmortem care to a client who has just passed away is a task that can be delegated to assistive personnel (AP). Postmortem care involves cleaning and preparing the body after death and is not a task that requires the specialized skills or judgement of a nurse. It is important to note that while the physical task of postmortem care can be delegated, the nurse is still responsible for providing emotional support and information to the family, coordinating with the morgue or funeral home, and completing any required documentation.
Choice B rationale: Instructing a client about the use of a spirometer is not a task that should be delegated to assistive personnel. Patient education requires assessment and evaluation of the patient’s understanding, which are nursing responsibilities. A spirometer is a medical device used to measure lung function and is often used after surgery to help prevent complications like pneumonia. Proper use of the spirometer is crucial to its effectiveness, so it is important that the instruction is clear and understood by the patient.
Choice C rationale: Suctioning a client’s newly inserted tracheostomy is not a task that should be delegated to assistive personnel. Tracheostomy care, especially suctioning, requires specialized skills and knowledge, as well as the ability to assess the patient’s respiratory status. Improper suctioning can cause trauma to the trachea, hypoxia, or infection. Therefore, this task should be performed by a nurse or other licensed healthcare professional.
Choice D rationale: Transferring a client to radiology for x-rays is a task that can be delegated to assistive personnel. This task involves physical assistance and does not require specialized nursing skills or judgement. However, the nurse should provide the AP with any necessary information about the patient’s condition, mobility, and any precautions that need to be taken during the transfer.
Choice E rationale: Performing a simple dressing change on a client’s arm is a task that can be delegated to assistive personnel. This task involves changing the bandages on a wound, which is a task that does not require specialized nursing skills or judgement. However, the nurse should ensure that the AP has been properly trained in dressing changes, understands the importance of infection control, and knows when to report any changes in the wound’s appearance.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
In this situation, the nurse is demonstrating the compromising style of conflict management. Compromising involves finding a middle ground where both parties give up something in order to reach a mutually acceptable solution. In this case, the nurse suggests that one AP can take a break now, but the other AP will get to take an early lunch. This solution allows both APs to have some of their needs met while also making concessions.
The other options are not the type of conflict management demonstrated by the nurse in this situation. Cooperating [a] involves one party giving in to the demands of the other party in order to maintain harmony. Competing [c] involves one party trying to win at the expense of the other party. Avoiding [d] involves avoiding or withdrawing from the conflict altogether.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The nurse should have the AP perform the task of feeding a school-age client who has burns on both upper extremities first. This task is a high priority because it addresses the client's immediate need for nutrition and hydration. The client's burns may make it difficult for them to feed themselves, so the assistance of the AP is necessary to ensure that the client receives adequate nourishment.
The other tasks are also important, but they are not the highest priority in this situation. Collecting a stool sample for ova and parasites from a toddler [b] and bathing an adolescent client who is disabled [c] are routine tasks that can be performed as time permits. Ambulating a preschooler who is postoperative to the playroom [d] is also important for promoting mobility and recovery, but it is not as urgent as addressing the immediate need for nutrition and hydration.
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