A nurse is working with an assistive personnel (AP) to care for a group of clients on the pediatric unit. Which of the following tasks should the nurse have the AP perform first?

Rationale:

A. The physiologic status of the clients is the most critical factor in assigning tasks, ensuring that clients with more complex needs receive appropriate care.

B. Social relationships are secondary to patient safety and quality of care.

C. Personal comfort level should not influence assignment decisions; patient care needs are the priority.

D. Assigning the most experienced nurse to complex clients is appropriate, but it should be based on client needs rather than just experience alone.

Rationale:

A. Check to see if the elbow restraint is in place for an infant who is postoperative from a surgical correction of a cleft palate is a priority to ensure the safety and proper positioning of a vulnerable postoperative patient.

B. Wash the hair of an adolescent who reports extreme fatigue and is scheduled for radiation therapy for the treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma can be done later, as it is not as critical as ensuring the safety of a postoperative infant.

C. Collect a stool sample for ova and parasites from a school-age child is important but not as urgent as checking restraints for a postoperative infant.

D. Engage a toddler in play is important for developmental support but is not as urgent as tasks directly related to patient safety and postoperative care.