A nurse is making assignments for staff on an inpatient unit. Which of the following tasks can a nurse legally delegate to assistive personnel?

Choice A reason: Hypothermia increases metabolic demand in newborns, depleting glucose stores rapidly. Neonates have limited glycogen reserves, and cold stress accelerates glucose use for thermogenesis, risking hypoglycemia. This is critical in nurseries, as thermoregulation is essential to prevent metabolic imbalances in vulnerable infants.
Choice B reason: Thrombocytopenia, low platelet count, affects clotting, not glucose metabolism. It may occur in sepsis but does not directly cause hypoglycemia. Glucose regulation depends on liver function and insulin balance, not platelets, making this irrelevant to hypoglycemia risk in newborns.
Choice C reason: Prematurity heightens hypoglycemia risk due to immature liver glycogen stores and limited gluconeogenesis. Preterm infants have high metabolic demands and low reserves, increasing susceptibility to low blood glucose, necessitating close monitoring and early feeding to stabilize glucose levels.
Choice D reason: Anemia, low red blood cell count, impacts oxygen delivery but not glucose metabolism directly. Severe anemia may increase metabolic stress, but it is not a primary hypoglycemia cause. Glucose regulation relies on hepatic and insulin functions, not hematologic status, in newborns.
Choice E reason: Maternal diabetes causes fetal hyperinsulinemia from maternal hyperglycemia, leading to neonatal hypoglycemia post-birth. Excess insulin depletes glucose stores after umbilical cord clamping, as maternal glucose supply ceases, making this a critical risk factor requiring vigilant monitoring in newborns.

Choice A reason: Restricting fluids to 1,200 mL per day is not indicated post-hernia repair unless specific conditions like heart failure exist. Adequate hydration supports recovery and prevents complications like constipation. This restriction is arbitrary and potentially harmful, making it an incorrect plan component.
Choice B reason: Encouraging deep breathing exercises every 2 hours prevents pulmonary complications like atelectasis or pneumonia, common risks post-hernia repair due to anesthesia and pain-limited breathing. This promotes lung expansion and oxygenation, aligning with evidence-based postoperative care, making it the correct intervention.
Choice C reason: Applying a warm compress to the surgical site is not recommended, as it may increase swelling or risk infection in the early postoperative period. Cool compresses, if needed, reduce edema. This intervention lacks evidence and could harm healing, making it inappropriate.
Choice D reason: Limiting ambulation for 48 hours delays recovery, as early mobility post-hernia repair reduces complications like thromboembolism and promotes healing. Patients are typically encouraged to walk within hours, making this restriction counterproductive and against standard postoperative protocols, thus incorrect.