Select words from the choices below to fill in each blank in the following sentence.

To further evaluate the client, the nurse anticipates the client will need

____

and

____

.

A) Assist the client with range-of-motion exercises of the hands:
This task is appropriate for the assistive personnel (AP) as it is a routine, non-invasive intervention that can help maintain mobility and prevent contractures in the hands. The AP can assist with range-of-motion exercises, following proper technique, and reporting any abnormalities to the nurse. This falls within the AP's scope of practice and can be delegated to them effectively.

B) Determine the circulation status of the affected extremities every hr:
Assessing circulation is a nursing responsibility and requires clinical judgment to identify signs of impaired circulation, such as color changes, pulse, or temperature of the skin. This task cannot be delegated to an AP, as it requires a nurse’s skill to interpret findings and take appropriate action.

C) Instruct the client's family about the purpose of mitten restraints:
Educating the client's family about the use of mitten restraints is a responsibility of the nurse, not the AP. This involves assessing the family’s understanding, providing relevant information, and answering any questions they may have. Only licensed healthcare professionals are responsible for providing education about the purpose and use of restraints.

D) Evaluate the need for the client to remain in mitten restraints:
Evaluating the necessity of restraints involves assessing the client's condition, safety, and overall care needs. This requires critical thinking and professional judgment and should be performed by the nurse, not the AP. The nurse must determine if the restraints continue to be necessary or if they can be removed, ensuring the client’s safety and dignity.

A) Patient care technician: While a patient care technician (PCT) is an important part of the healthcare team, their role generally focuses on providing direct patient care tasks such as monitoring vital signs, assisting with activities of daily living, and supporting the nursing staff. They do not have the expertise to address complex medication interactions, so they are not the appropriate referral in this scenario.

B) Psychologist: A psychologist focuses on providing mental health support, including therapy and counseling. While medication interactions may be of concern in patients receiving psychiatric medications, a psychologist does not typically have the medical knowledge to assess or manage pharmacological interactions. The nurse would not make a referral to a psychologist for this issue.

C) Social worker: Social workers are important for addressing the social and emotional needs of patients, including helping with care coordination, support, and resources. However, they are not trained to evaluate or address medication interactions. This issue would be outside of their scope of practice.

D) Advanced practice nurse: An advanced practice nurse (APN), such as a nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist, has advanced training in diagnosing, managing, and prescribing medications. They are the most appropriate team member to assess the potential interactions of the client’s medications and make any necessary adjustments to their medication regimen. The nurse should refer the client to an APN for expertise in this area.