A nurse is developing a care plan for a client who is in Buck’s traction and is scheduled for surgery for a fractured femur of the right leg.
Which of the following interventions should the nurse delegate to an assistive personnel?
Observe the position of the suspended weight
Check the client’s pedal pulse on the right leg
Ask the client to describe her pain
Remind the client to use the incentive spirometer
None
None
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is D. Remind the client to use the incentive spirometer.
Choice A rationale:
Observing the position of the suspended weight is beyond the scope of practice for assistive personnel (AP). This task requires assessment skills to ensure proper alignment and functioning of the traction system, which is the responsibility of the nurse.
Choice B rationale:
Checking the client’s pedal pulse on the right leg involves assessment and clinical judgment to evaluate perfusion and detect potential complications such as impaired circulation. This is not a task that can be delegated to AP.
Choice C rationale:
Asking the client to describe her pain requires assessment and interpretation of subjective data, which falls under the nurse's scope of practice. Pain assessment is a critical nursing function.
Choice D rationale:
Reminding the client to use the incentive spirometer is a non-assessment task that involves reinforcing previously taught instructions. This is appropriate to delegate to assistive personnel, as it does not require clinical judgment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
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The correct answer is choice c. Contractions.
Choice A rationale:
Epigastric pain is not a common complication following an amniocentesis. It is more often associated with conditions like preeclampsia or gastrointestinal issues.
Choice B rationale:
Hypertension is not directly related to amniocentesis. It is more commonly associated with conditions like preeclampsia or chronic hypertension in pregnancy.
Choice C rationale:
Contractions are a significant complication to monitor for after an amniocentesis, especially at 33 weeks of gestation. The procedure can sometimes induce preterm labor.
Choice D rationale:
Vomiting is not a typical complication following an amniocentesis. It may occur due to other unrelated reasons but is not directly linked to the procedure.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
This instruction will help the client to prevent venous stasis and thrombosis, which are common postoperative complications. Range-of-motion exercises promote blood circulation and prevent muscle atrophy and contractures.
Choice B. “Use an incentive spirometer every 4 hours.” is wrong because it is not related to promoting circulation, but rather to improving lung expansion and preventing atelectasis and pneumonia. Using an incentive spirometer is also important for postoperative clients, but it does not address the question.
Choice C. “Remain on bed rest for 24 hours following the procedure.” is wrong because it is the opposite of promoting circulation.
Bed rest increases the risk of venous stasis, thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism. Postoperative clients should be encouraged to ambulate as soon as possible, unless contraindicated.
Choice D. “Place a pillow under your knees while in bed.” is wrong because it also impairs circulation and increases the risk of thrombosis.
Placing a pillow under the knees can cause pressure on the popliteal veins and reduce blood flow. Postoperative clients should avoid this position and keep their legs in a neutral or slightly elevated position.
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