A nurse is developing a plan of care for a client who has preeclampsia and is to receive magnesium sulfate via continuous IV infusion.
Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan?

Choice A rationale:

Auditory hallucinations are more commonly associated with conditions like schizophrenia or certain types of psychosis. In bipolar disorder, individuals may experience mood swings between depression and mania, but auditory hallucinations are not a typical symptom during a depressive episode.

Choice B rationale:

Illusions of grandeur involve an exaggerated sense of one's importance, power, knowledge, or identity. This symptom is more commonly associated with manic episodes in bipolar disorder, not depressive episodes.

Choice C rationale:

Rapid speech and moving quickly from one idea to the next are characteristic symptoms of a manic episode in bipolar disorder, not a depressive episode. During depressive episodes, individuals often exhibit symptoms such as low energy, feelings of worthlessness, and difficulty concentrating.

Choice D rationale:

Inability to carry out a simple task is a common symptom of depression. Depressed individuals often struggle with daily activities, lose interest in hobbies, and have difficulty concentrating. This symptom aligns with the depressive episode of bipolar disorder.

The correct answer is B.

Choice A reason: Checking the client’s condition after the procedure involves assessment, which is a critical component of the nursing process. This task requires clinical judgment and knowledge of potential complications, which are responsibilities that cannot be delegated to assistive personnel.

Choice B reason: Assisting with ambulation is a task that can be safely delegated to assistive personnel. It is a basic care task that does not require clinical judgment and can be performed under the supervision of a nurse.

Choice C reason: Witnessing a client’s signature on the consent for the procedure is a legal and ethical responsibility that involves ensuring the client understands the procedure and is giving informed consent. This task requires a level of professional accountability that is beyond the scope of assistive personnel.

Choice D reason: Administering medication, such as atropine 30 minutes before the procedure, is a nursing intervention that requires knowledge of pharmacology and the ability to monitor for adverse effects. This is not within the scope of practice for assistive personnel and must be performed by licensed nursing staff.