A nurse is caring for a client with diabetes who needs dietary or nutrition education.

Choice A rationale
Documenting the application of the medication is important for maintaining accurate medical records, but it is not the priority action when a patient is receiving a new medication.
Choice B rationale
Informing the patient about potential side effects is the correct answer. This action ensures that the patient is aware of what to expect and can report any adverse reactions promptly, which is crucial for their safety.
Choice C rationale
Checking the patient’s vital signs frequently is important, but it is not the priority action when a patient is receiving a new medication. The priority is to inform the patient about potential side effects.
Choice D rationale
Leaving the patient alone to rest is not appropriate when a patient is receiving a new medication. The nurse should monitor the patient and inform them about potential side effects.

Choice A rationale
A 30-year-old male patient with an active GI bleed requiring multiple blood transfusions is not suitable for assignment to an LPN. This patient is unstable and requires close monitoring and frequent assessments, which are beyond the LPN’s scope of practice. The RN should manage this patient to ensure proper care and timely interventions.
Choice B rationale
A 55-year-old male patient who is post-surgery and ready for discharge, requiring discharge instructions, is also not suitable for assignment to an LPN. Discharge instructions involve comprehensive education and assessment of the patient’s understanding, which are responsibilities of the RN. The RN must ensure the patient comprehends the instructions and can safely manage their care at home.
Choice C rationale
A 40-year-old diabetic patient requiring re-teaching on insulin administration is the best choice for assignment to an LPN. This patient is stable and the task of re-teaching insulin administration falls within the LPN’s scope of practice. The LPN can effectively provide education and ensure the patient understands how to administer insulin correctly.
Choice D rationale
A newly admitted patient is not suitable for assignment to an LPN. New admissions require comprehensive assessments and care planning, which are responsibilities of the RN. The RN must evaluate the patient’s condition, develop a care plan, and initiate appropriate interventions.