A nurse is considering the delegation of administering topical medications to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). What is the first query the nurse must ask herself before doing so?
Does the nurse practice act and agency policy allow this delegation?
Has the unlicensed assistive personnel been trained to perform the task?
Is appropriate supervision available for the unlicensed assistive personnel?
Has the nurse evaluated the client's response to this treatment in the past? . . .
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
The nurse practice act and agency policy provide the legal and organizational framework for nursing practice and delegation. Determining if the delegation of topical medication administration is permissible under these guidelines is the foundational first step to ensure legality and adherence to established protocols.
Choice B rationale
Assessing the UAP's training is crucial for safe delegation, but it's secondary to ensuring that the task is delegable in the first place according to legal and policy guidelines. Training is irrelevant if the task cannot be delegated.
Choice C rationale
Ensuring appropriate supervision is essential for delegated tasks, but again, it's contingent on whether the task can be legally and organizationally delegated. Supervision protocols come into play after the initial permissibility of delegation is established.
Choice D rationale
Evaluating the client's past response to the treatment is important for ongoing care but doesn't determine the initial delegability of the task to a UAP. The focus of the first question is on the legal and policy aspects of delegation. .
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) mask delivers a constant stream of pressurized air to keep the airway open during sleep, which is the primary treatment for sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is characterized by repeated pauses in breathing due to airway obstruction, and CPAP effectively prevents these episodes.
Choice B rationale
A nasal cannula delivers low-flow oxygen through two prongs inserted into the nostrils. While it can provide supplemental oxygen, it does not address the underlying airway obstruction that occurs in sleep apnea. Therefore, it is not the expected delivery device for this condition. Normal flow rate is 1 to 6 liters per minute, providing a fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) of 24% to 44%.
Choice C rationale
A non-rebreather mask delivers a high concentration of oxygen (60% to 90%) and is typically used for patients with acute respiratory distress. It is not the appropriate device for managing the chronic condition of sleep apnea, which primarily requires airway support rather than high oxygen levels.
Choice D rationale
A simple face mask delivers a moderate concentration of oxygen (40% to 60%) and requires a flow rate of 5 to 8 liters per minute. While it provides more oxygen than a nasal cannula, it does not address the airway obstruction inherent in sleep apnea and is therefore not the expected device for this condition.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The adrenal glands primarily produce hormones that regulate metabolism, immune system, blood pressure, stress response, and other essential functions. While these hormones are crucial for overall bodily function and indirectly influence alertness and arousal, they are not the primary neurological structures responsible for maintaining a conscious and aroused state.
Choice B rationale
The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is a hormonal system that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance. While changes in blood pressure and fluid balance can affect overall well-being and indirectly influence alertness, the RAAS is not the neurological center responsible for a person's state of arousal.
Choice C rationale
Cranial nerves are a set of twelve paired nerves that emerge directly from the brain. They are responsible for a wide range of sensory and motor functions, including vision, hearing, taste, smell, facial movements, and swallowing. While some cranial nerves contribute to sensory input that can influence alertness, they are not the central structure responsible for maintaining arousal itself.
Choice D rationale
The reticular activating system (RAS) is a network of neurons located in the brainstem that plays a crucial role in regulating wakefulness, alertness, and the sleep-wake cycle. It filters incoming sensory information and relays important signals to the cerebral cortex, maintaining a state of arousal and consciousness. Damage to the RAS, such as that which can occur following a stroke, can lead to altered levels of consciousness. .
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