A nurse is caring for a client who has Crohn's disease.
The nurse calculates that the client's BMI is 17.2. The nurse should document the client's weight status as being within which of the following categories?

A. Attends school regularly: While attending school regularly is important, it is not an immediate concern that requires follow-up compared to the other more pressing issues related to the traumatic event and the client's mental well-being.
B. Caregiver reporting client acting differently than usual: This finding requires immediate follow-up because it indicates a change in the client's behavior and could be indicative of emotional distress or mental health issues, especially considering the recent traumatic event they experienced.

C. Witnessing their family's death: Witnessing the death of family members in a traumatic event like a tornado is a significant and potentially traumatizing experience that requires immediate follow-up and support.
D. Heart rate 99/min: While a heart rate of 99/min is slightly elevated, it is not a critical finding that requires immediate follow-up in this context. The other findings are more relevant to the client's psychological well-being.
E. Smoking marijuana to clear their mind: The client's use of marijuana to cope with their thoughts and feelings should be addressed promptly, as it could indicate maladaptive coping mechanisms or potential substance abuse.
F. Client experiences nightmares: Experiencing nightmares could be a symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other mental health concerns related to the traumatic event.
G. BP 122/80 mm Hg: A blood pressure of 122/80 mm Hg is within a normal range and is not a cause for immediate concern.
H. Startles easy during thunderstorm: While startle responses can be related to anxiety, this specific finding is not as pressing as the client's reported coping mechanisms and traumatic experiences.

Choice A rationale:

Transferring a client to physical therapy is a task that can be safely delegated to an assistive personnel (AP) as long as the client does not have any specific medical restrictions or requires specialized assistance during the transfer. APs are trained to assist with activities of daily living, including transferring clients from one place to another. However, it is essential for the nurse to assess the client's condition and provide clear instructions to the AP to ensure a safe transfer.

Choice B rationale:

Obtaining a client's vital signs every 4 hours is a routine task that can be delegated to an assistive personnel. APs are trained to measure vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature under the supervision of licensed healthcare providers. Regular monitoring of vital signs is crucial in assessing the client's overall health status and detecting any changes that might require immediate medical attention.

Choice E rationale:

Recording a client's intake after each meal is a task that can be delegated to an assistive personnel. APs can document the amount and type of food and fluids consumed by the client. Monitoring the client's intake is important, especially if the client has specific dietary restrictions, allergies, or medical conditions that require close monitoring of their food and fluid intake.

Choice C rationale:

Instructing a client on the use of an incentive spirometer requires specialized knowledge and assessment of the client's respiratory status. This task should be performed by a licensed healthcare provider, such as a nurse or respiratory therapist, who can properly assess the client's lung function, demonstrate the correct technique, and ensure the client's safety during the process. Delegating this task to an AP could result in improper use of the spirometer, potentially leading to complications or ineffective therapy.

Choice D rationale:

Inserting an NG tube for a client who requires enteral feedings is a complex medical procedure that should be performed by a licensed nurse or healthcare provider with appropriate training and expertise. This procedure carries risks, including the risk of aspiration if not done correctly. Delegating this task to an AP is outside their scope of practice and could jeopardize the client's safety.