A nurse is teaching a newly licensed nurse about advance directives.
Which of the following statements by the newly licensed nurse indicates an understanding of the teaching?

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

Diarrhea is a common side effect of clozapine, a second-generation antipsychotic medication. It is usually a mild to moderate symptom and does not typically warrant immediate reporting to the provider unless it is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms like dehydration. It can often be managed with dietary adjustments or over-the-counter antidiarrheal medications, and it does not usually indicate a serious or life-threatening adverse reaction.

Choice B rationale

A fever in a client taking clozapine is a critical finding that must be immediately reported to the provider. Fever can be an early symptom of agranulocytosis, a severe and potentially fatal adverse effect characterized by a dangerously low white blood cell count. Agranulocytosis makes the client highly susceptible to severe infections. A fever may also indicate the onset of neuroleptic malignant syndrome, another serious and life-threatening condition.

Choice C rationale

Polyuria, which is excessive urination, can be a symptom of various conditions but is not a primary concern or contraindication for clozapine administration. It can be associated with increased fluid intake due to xerostomia (dry mouth), a common side effect of clozapine. It does not typically indicate a severe, life-threatening adverse effect like agranulocytosis or neuroleptic malignant syndrome, and thus does not require immediate reporting.

Choice D rationale

Diaphoresis, or excessive sweating, is a frequent side effect of clozapine. It is often related to the drug's anticholinergic effects and thermoregulatory dysfunction. While it can be uncomfortable for the client and may require management, it is not an immediate sign of a life-threatening condition like agranulocytosis or neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Therefore, it does not typically require an immediate report to the provider. *.