The nurse determines that an elderly client with pneumonia has a nursing problem of "altered nutrition, less than body requirements." Which instruction should the nurse give the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) helping with the care of this client?

Choice A Reason: This assignment does not require immediate follow-up action by the charge nurse because a practical nurse can transport a stable postoperative client to another unit and report any changes or concerns to the primary nurse.

Choice B Reason: This assignment does not require immediate follow-up action by the charge nurse because a practical nurse can monitor the blood pressure of a client with hypertension and administer antihypertensive medications as prescribed and delegated by the primary nurse.

Choice C Reason: This assignment does not require immediate follow-up action by the charge nurse because a graduate nurse can obtain a unit of packed red blood cells from the blood bank and verify the compatibility and identification with another registered nurse before transfusing it to the client.

Choice D Reason: This is the correct answer because checking a client for fecal impaction is beyond the scope of practice of unlicensed assistive personnel. It involves inserting a finger into the rectum and assessing for hard stool, which can cause injury or infection to the client. The charge nurse should intervene and assign this task to a registered nurse or a practical nurse.

Choice A Reason: This is the correct answer because the client's vital signs indicate that she is hypovolemic and dehydrated due to the leakage of gastric contents from the anastomosis site. The nurse should replace fluids intravenously to prevent shock and electrolyte imbalance.

Choice B Reason: Recording the amount of daily wound drainage is important but not the most important intervention for this client because it does not address the immediate problem of fluid loss and hypovolemia. The nurse should monitor the wound drainage for signs of infection and report any changes to the physician.

Choice C Reason: Assessing skin condition and turgor for breakdown is important but not the most important intervention for this client because it does not address the immediate problem of fluid loss and hypovolemia. The nurse should assess the skin for signs of dehydration and pressure ulcers and provide appropriate skin care.

Choice D Reason: Turning every 2 hours around the clock from side-to-side is important but not the most important intervention for this client because it does not address the immediate problem of fluid loss and hypovolemia. The nurse should turn the client to prevent complications such as pneumonia and atelectasis but also consider the client's comfort and pain level.