A nurse requests that an assistive personnel (AP) change all the linens and give bed baths to four clients on the unit. The previous day, the AP was not able to complete these same tasks. Which of the following actions should the nurse take in addressing this situation?
Offer to help the AP complete the tasks.
Assign a more qualified staff member to the tasks.
Plan a more reasonable job assignment.
Set a time frame for the AP to complete the tasks.
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is Choice C.
Choice A rationale: Offering to help the AP complete the tasks may seem like a good solution in the short term. However, this approach does not address the underlying issue, which is that the AP was not able to complete these tasks the previous day. The nurse’s role is to delegate tasks appropriately and ensure that all tasks are completed in a timely manner. If the nurse takes over the AP’s tasks, it could lead to an imbalance in the workload and could potentially overburden the nurse. Therefore, while this choice may seem helpful, it is not the most effective solution to the problem.
Choice B rationale: Assigning a more qualified staff member to the tasks could be a potential solution if the AP’s inability to complete the tasks was due to a lack of skills or knowledge. However, without more information, it’s not clear that this is the case. Furthermore, this approach could lead to resentment among staff if it appears that tasks are not being distributed fairly. Therefore, while this choice could be a potential solution, it is not the most effective solution given the information provided.
Choice C rationale: Planning a more reasonable job assignment is the most effective solution to this problem. If the AP was not able to complete the tasks the previous day, it suggests that the workload was too heavy or the tasks were too complex. By reassessing the job assignment and making it more manageable, the nurse can ensure that all tasks are completed in a timely manner. This approach respects the abilities and limitations of the AP, promotes a fair distribution of tasks, and ensures the best care for the clients.
Choice D rationale: Setting a time frame for the AP to complete the tasks could be a potential solution if the issue was that the tasks were not completed in a timely manner. However, if the AP was not able to complete the tasks at all, simply setting a time frame may not resolve the issue. This approach could also add unnecessary pressure on the AP, which could lead to rushed or substandard work. Therefore, while this choice could be a potential solution, it is not the most effective solution given the information provided.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Assistive personnel (AP), also known as unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP), can perform tasks such as recording vital signs ¹. Collecting intake and output [a] is a task that can be delegated to an AP.
The other options are not tasks that should be delegated to an AP.
Evaluating pain relief after administering pain medication [b] involves assessing the effectiveness of a medical intervention, which is typically the responsibility of a licensed nurse.
Providing a central line dressing change [c] is a complex task that requires specialized knowledge and skills.
Selecting a menu for a low-sodium diet [d] involves dietary planning, which is typically the responsibility of a licensed nurse or a registered dietitian.
Correct Answer is ["A","D","E"]
Explanation
The correct answers are Choices A, D, and E.
Choice A rationale:Providing postmortem care to a client who has just passed away is a task that can be delegated to assistive personnel (AP). Postmortem care involves cleaning and preparing the body after death and is not a task that requires the specialized skills or judgement of a nurse. It is important to note that while the physical task of postmortem care can be delegated, the nurse is still responsible for providing emotional support and information to the family, coordinating with the morgue or funeral home, and completing any required documentation.
Choice B rationale:Instructing a client about the use of a spirometer is not a task that should be delegated to assistive personnel. Patient education requires assessment and evaluation of the patient’s understanding, which are nursing responsibilities. A spirometer is a medical device used to measure lung function and is often used after surgery to help prevent complications like pneumonia. Proper use of the spirometer is crucial to its effectiveness, so it is important that the instruction is clear and understood by the patient.
Choice C rationale:Suctioning a client’s newly inserted tracheostomy is not a task that should be delegated to assistive personnel. Tracheostomy care, especially suctioning, requires specialized skills and knowledge, as well as the ability to assess the patient’s respiratory status. Improper suctioning can cause trauma to the trachea, hypoxia, or infection. Therefore, this task should be performed by a nurse or other licensed healthcare professional.
Choice D rationale:Transferring a client to radiology for x-rays is a task that can be delegated to assistive personnel. This task involves physical assistance and does not require specialized nursing skills or judgement. However, the nurse should provide the AP with any necessary information about the patient’s condition, mobility, and any precautions that need to be taken during the transfer.
Choice E rationale:Performing a simple dressing change on a client’s arm is a task that can be delegated to assistive personnel. This task involves changing the bandages on a wound, which is a task that does not require specialized nursing skills or judgement. However, the nurse should ensure that the AP has been properly trained in dressing changes, understands the importance of infection control, and knows when to report any changes in the wound’s appearance.
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