A nurse is preparing to administer eye drops to a school-age child. Identify the actions the nurse should take. (Move the steps into the box on the right, placing them in the order of performance. Use all the steps.)

Rationale for correct choices:

• Skin feels cool to the touch: Cool skin indicates poor peripheral perfusion, which can signal early hypovolemic shock in a child with burns. Prompt assessment and interventions, such as fluid resuscitation, are necessary.
• Capillary refill 3 seconds in left foot: Delayed capillary refill reflects compromised circulation and decreased tissue perfusion. Early recognition and intervention help prevent progression to shock.
• Blood pressure 102/50 mm Hg: Mild hypotension combined with tachycardia, cool skin, and delayed capillary refill suggests early hypovolemic shock, a life-threatening complication requiring immediate attention.
• Temperature 35.8° C (96.4° F): Hypothermia can occur due to heat loss from burn injuries, increasing the risk for coagulopathy, impaired wound healing, and further hemodynamic instability.
• Output of 25 mL dark amber urine through catheter: Low and concentrated urine output indicates possible dehydration or reduced renal perfusion, which can progress to acute kidney injury if not addressed urgently.

Rationale for incorrect choices:

• Respiratory rate 20/min: Although slightly decreased from admission, this is within a near-normal range for an 8-year-old and not immediately concerning. Continuous monitoring is appropriate, but it is not an urgent priority compared with perfusion and hemodynamic indicators.
• Dressing on left hand shows small amount of moisture through gauze: Minor moisture in the dressing may reflect mild wound exudate, which requires routine monitoring and dressing changes. It does not indicate an immediate life-threatening risk.

A. Irrigate a client's incision: Wound irrigation is a sterile procedure that requires nursing judgment and skill to prevent infection and assess wound healing. This task should not be delegated to assistive personnel.

B. Determine a client's pain level: Assessing pain requires clinical judgment to interpret subjective and objective findings and evaluate the need for interventions. This responsibility remains with the licensed nurse.

C. Insert a nasogastric tube: Insertion of a nasogastric tube is an invasive procedure that requires nursing knowledge and technical skill to ensure proper placement and prevent complications. It is not within the scope of assistive personnel.

D. Provide postmortem care: Postmortem care is a noninvasive task that involves preparing the body, performing hygiene, and maintaining dignity. It falls within the scope of practice for assistive personnel and can be safely delegated.