The charge nurse, working with one nurse, two practical nurses (PNs), a unit secretary, and two unlicensed assistive personnel (UAPs), is caring for 24 clients on a medical surgical unit. Which task is best for the charge nurse to assign to the PN?
Transcription of the healthcare provider's treatment plan for a client transferred from a critical care unit.
The subclavian dressing change on a client diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease.
The admission assessment of a client diagnosed with bacterial pneumonia.
The insertion of a Foley catheter for a client diagnosed with septicemia.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Transcription of the healthcare provider's treatment plan is not a task that can be delegated to a PN, as it requires nursing judgment and documentation. The charge nurse should perform this task and verify the orders with the provider.
Choice B reason: A subclavian catheter dressing change is a sterile procedure involving central line care, which is considered an advanced skill typically performed by an RN. Many facilities do not allow PNs to perform this due to the risk of infection and complications.
Choice C reason: The admission assessment is not a task that can be delegated to a PN, as it involves collecting and analyzing data from multiple sources. The charge nurse or the registered nurse should perform this task and document the findings.
Choice D reason: PNs are trained and authorized to insert Foley catheters, which is within their scope of practice. Although the patient has septicemia, catheter insertion is a task-based procedure that does not require critical decision-making, making it an appropriate assignment for a PN.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Listening for the presence of bowel sounds is not a task that the home health aide can perform. This is a nursing assessment that requires specialized skills and equipment.
Choice B reason: Administering a prescribed dose of a laxative is not a task that the home health aide can perform. This is a nursing intervention that requires medication administration knowledge and authority.
Choice C reason: Teaching the client about foods high in fiber is not a task that the home health aide can perform. This is a nursing intervention that requires education and evaluation skills.
Choice D reason: Assisting the client to drink warm prune juice is a task that the home health aide can perform. This is a simple and safe measure that can help relieve constipation by stimulating bowel movements.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Consulting the palliative care team is an important action for the nurse to take, but not the first one. The palliative care team can provide holistic and compassionate care to the client and the family and help them cope with the end-of-life issues. However, the nurse should first obtain a do not resuscitate prescription from the healthcare provider to ensure that the client's wishes are respected and followed.
Choice B reason: Obtaining a do not resuscitate prescription is the first action for the nurse to take. The do not resuscitate prescription is a legal document that states that the client does not want any cardiopulmonary resuscitation or other life-sustaining interventions in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest. The nurse should obtain the prescription from the healthcare provider and document it in the client's chart. The nurse should also inform the staff and the family about the prescription and its implications.
Choice C reason: Defining the term heroic measures is not the first action for the nurse to take. The term heroic measures is vague and subjective and may mean different things to different people. The nurse should clarify with the client and the family what they consider as heroic measures and what they want to avoid or accept. However, the nurse should first obtain a do not resuscitate prescription to ensure that the client's wishes are legally binding and clear.
Choice D reason: Coordinating a family conference is not the first action for the nurse to take. The family conference is a meeting where the client, the family, the healthcare provider, and the nurse can discuss the goals and plans of care and address any concerns or questions. The family conference can facilitate communication and decision-making and promote mutual understanding and support. However, the nurse should first obtain a do not resuscitate prescription to ensure that the client's wishes are honored and communicated.
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