A nurse is attempting to use non-pharmacological treatment for pain control. Which treatment could the nurse delegate to the UAP?

Notify the health care provider to report and anticipate new orders.

This is because an oral temperature of 100.8° F (38.2° C) indicates a fever, which could be a sign of infection or inflammation in an elderly client.

A fever of this magnitude could also cause dehydration, confusion, or seizures in older adults.

Therefore, the nurse should notify the health care provider as soon as possible to determine the cause and treatment of the fever.

Choice B is wrong because covering the client with an additional blanket could increase the body temperature and worsen the fever.

The UAP should not recheck the temperature in two hours, but rather monitor it more frequently and report any changes to the nurse.

Choice C is wrong because charting the temperature on the vital signs sheet and reporting to the new shift coming on is not enough to address the urgency of the situation.

The nurse has a responsibility to act on abnormal findings and communicate them to the health care provider.

Choice D is wrong because assessing the client’s temperature rectally and comparing the results is not necessary and could cause discomfort or injury to the client.

Rectal temperatures are usually higher than oral temperatures by about 0.5° F (0.3° C), so this would not change the interpretation of the fever.

The normal range for oral temperature in adults is 97.6° F to 99.6° F (36.4° C to 37.6° C).

“I have limited my alcohol intake before bedtime.”. This statement shows that the client understands that alcohol can interfere with sleep quality and quantity. Alcohol can disrupt the normal sleep cycle and cause frequent awakenings, nightmares, or insomnia.

Choice A is wrong because sleeping in most mornings can disrupt the regular sleep schedule and make it harder to fall asleep at night. It is better to keep a consistent bedtime and wake time, even on weekends.

Choice B is wrong because working on the computer before going to bed can expose the client to blue light, which can suppress the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. It is better to avoid screens and other stimulating activities at least an hour before bedtime.

Choice D is wrong because watching television for 1 hour before sleeping can also expose the client to blue light and interfere with sleep onset. It is better to engage in relaxing activities such as reading, listening to soothing music, or meditating before sleeping.