A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has GERD.
Which of the following information should the nurse include?

Choice A rationale

Obtaining a client's vital signs is a routine, non-invasive procedure that can be safely delegated to an assistive personnel (AP). The AP is trained to measure and record objective data such as temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure. The nurse is responsible for interpreting the data and assessing for any abnormal findings, but the data collection itself falls within the scope of practice for an AP. This allows the nurse to focus on more complex tasks.

Choice B rationale

Recording a client's intake after each meal is a task focused on data collection and falls within the scope of practice for an assistive personnel (AP). The AP can accurately measure and document the quantity of food and fluids consumed by the client. The nurse is then responsible for analyzing this data to monitor the client's nutritional status and fluid balance, and to identify any potential complications, such as dehydration or malnutrition. This is a routine, non-complex task.

Choice C rationale

Transferring a client is a routine activity of daily living that an assistive personnel (AP) is trained to perform. It involves moving a client safely from one location to another, such as from the bed to a chair or to physical therapy. The AP is taught proper body mechanics and client transfer techniques to prevent injury to both the client and themselves. The nurse would provide supervision and assess the client's mobility status before the transfer.

Choice D rationale

Inserting an NG tube is an invasive procedure that requires advanced knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and sterile technique. It carries a risk of complications, such as aspiration or incorrect tube placement. Therefore, this task is outside the scope of practice for an assistive personnel and must be performed by a licensed nurse or other qualified healthcare professional. The nurse is responsible for confirming tube placement and monitoring for adverse effects.

Choice E rationale

Instructing a client on the use of an incentive spirometer involves client education, which is a key component of the nursing process. The nurse must assess the client's learning needs, provide accurate and safe instructions, and evaluate the client's understanding and ability to perform the technique correctly. This cognitive and educational task requires the critical thinking skills of a licensed nurse and cannot be delegated to an assistive personnel. *.

Choice A rationale

Encouraging the client to ambulate to the bathroom would be inappropriate and potentially harmful. The client is experiencing worsening pain, tingling, and is on a gurney en route to surgery for a fractured radius. Ambulation could exacerbate the injury, increase pain, and risk further complications. Mobility should be restricted until the fracture is stabilized and the client is post-operative.

Choice B rationale

This is the correct action as it assesses for potential complications of compartment syndrome, a critical and urgent condition. The worsening pain and tingling are classic symptoms. Compartment syndrome occurs when pressure builds within the fascial compartments, compromising circulation. A loss of peripheral pulses and delayed capillary refill are late signs of impaired circulation and are key indicators for this limb-threatening emergency.

Choice C rationale

Elevating the arm above the heart would decrease arterial blood flow to the injured extremity, which could worsen tissue perfusion and potentially lead to ischemia. For a client with a suspected circulatory compromise, such as with compartment syndrome, the arm should be kept at the level of the heart to maintain adequate blood flow.

Choice D rationale

Administering a sedative could mask the client's symptoms, particularly the level of pain and changes in mental status, which are crucial indicators of their deteriorating condition. The client's pain is a vital sign that needs to be continuously monitored, and sedation would hinder the nurse's ability to accurately assess for changes in their neurovascular status. .