A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a newly licensed nurse about barriers with interprofessional collaboration among members of the health care team. Which of the following information should the nurse include?

Choice A reason: Collaboration and open communication are the foundation of effective interprofessional teamwork. When health care providers share information transparently, coordinate interventions, and respect each other’s expertise, patient care becomes safer and more efficient. Open communication reduces errors, ensures continuity of care, and promotes shared decision-making. Collaboration also fosters mutual accountability, which directly improves client outcomes by aligning all team members toward the same patient-centered goals.

Choice B reason: Independent treatment undermines interprofessional collaboration. When providers act in isolation without consulting the team, important information may be overlooked, leading to fragmented care. This increases the risk of duplicating interventions, missing critical changes in patient status, and failing to address complex needs holistically. Independent treatment is therefore a barrier to improved outcomes.

Choice C reason: Timely client discharge is important for hospital efficiency and patient flow, but it is not the primary factor in improving outcomes. Discharging a client quickly without ensuring stability and adequate follow-up care can compromise safety. While discharge planning is part of quality care, it must be coordinated with the team and based on readiness, not speed.

Choice D reason: Frequent changes in team members disrupt continuity of care and weaken collaboration. Constant turnover prevents team members from building trust and understanding each other’s roles. It also increases the likelihood of miscommunication and errors, as new members may not be fully aware of the client’s history or care plan. Stability in the team supports better outcomes, while frequent changes hinder them.

Choice A reason: Administering a tap-water enema is a skill within the scope of practice for an experienced LPN. This procedure is routine, does not require complex assessment, and can be safely delegated. The RN should ensure the LPN is competent in performing the task, but it is appropriate to delegate.

Choice B reason: Initiating a plan of care is a responsibility that requires comprehensive assessment, critical thinking, and clinical judgment. This task is reserved for the RN because it involves synthesizing data, setting priorities, and establishing individualized goals for the client. Delegating this to an LPN would be inappropriate, as LPNs can contribute to the plan but cannot independently initiate it.

Choice C reason: Catheterization of a client who has not voided in 8 hours is a technical skill that falls within the LPN’s scope of practice. LPNs are trained to perform catheterization safely, provided the RN has assessed the client and determined the need for the procedure. Therefore, this task can be delegated appropriately.

Choice D reason: Obtaining vital signs from a postoperative client is a routine task that LPNs can perform. Vital signs collection does not require advanced assessment skills, though interpretation of abnormal findings remains the RN’s responsibility. Delegating this task is appropriate and supports efficient workflow.