The nurse is assigned to provide care for a client who is scheduled for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy in two hours, at 0900. What nursing action is most important?

Delegation involves assigning tasks to individuals who have the appropriate skills and competence to perform them safely and effectively. Inserting urinary catheters for uncomplicated clients is a task that can be delegated to a practical nurse. It is a common procedure within the scope of practice for a practical nurse, and it does not require the level of assessment and critical thinking involved in evaluating and updating plans of care or receiving a postoperative client and conducting an assessment.

Verifying the readiness of clients for discharge typically involves comprehensive assessments, coordination with other healthcare professionals, and decision-making regarding the appropriateness of discharge. This task is generally performed by registered nurses (RNs) or other members of the healthcare team with advanced training.

Evaluating and updating plans of care for clients is a responsibility that falls within the scope of practice of registered nurses. It requires a higher level of assessment, clinical judgment, and decision-making, which are typically beyond the scope of practice of a practical nurse.

Receiving a postoperative client and conducting the assessment involves comprehensive assessment skills and critical thinking, which are typically within the scope of practice of a registered nurse or an advanced practice nurse.

A) Incorrect - Phototherapy, often used to treat conditions like seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or certain skin conditions, involves exposure to specific wavelengths of light. It is not typically used as a treatment for distressing thoughts and memories related to trauma, as described in the client's situation.
B) Incorrect - Lithium is primarily used to treat bipolar disorder and is not a first-line treatment for trauma-related symptoms or acute stress disorder. The client's symptoms are more indicative of trauma-related distress, which would be addressed through psychotherapeutic approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
C) Incorrect - "Consciousness-raising" is not a recognized treatment intervention in this context.

It's important to focus on evidence-based therapeutic approaches for trauma-related symptoms, such as psychotherapy and support services.
D) Correct - Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is Given the client's distressing thoughts and memories, CBT is a highly effective psychotherapy approach. It focuses on identifying and modifying negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with trauma. CBT can help the client develop healthier coping strategies.
E) Correct - Animal-assisted therapy involves interacting with trained animals to improve emotional well-being. Since the client expresses feeling unhappy and having difficulty coping, animal therapy can provide comfort, reduce stress, and promote a sense of companionship.
F) Incorrect - Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a treatment primarily used for severe cases of depression or certain psychiatric conditions that are unresponsive to other treatments. It involves inducing controlled seizures to affect brain chemistry. ECT is not a first-line treatment for the client's distressing thoughts and memories following a traumatic event.