The nurse is reviewing the client's admission assessment to determine contributing factors to the client's change in mental status.

Exhibits

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An older adult client was transferred to the ICU after they developed fever and hypotension. The client was initially admitted 4 days ago with a left hip fracture and subsequently underwent total left hip arthroplasty.

The client is alert and oriented to person, place, and time.

Past Medical History: hypertension, congestive heart failure, Parkinson's disease

Social History: Client has visual loss without their glasses. The client is hard of hearing with hearing aids in place.

Rationale:

A. Reinforce client teaching about walking with crutches: Teaching or reinforcing client education is a nursing responsibility and should not be delegated to assistive personnel. It requires assessment, evaluation, and knowledge of the client's learning needs and physical limitations.

B. Plan care for a client who has dysphagia: Care planning involves critical thinking and individualized assessment, which fall under the registered nurse’s scope of practice. Dysphagia management also requires knowledge of aspiration risk and appropriate interventions.

C. Transfer a client who is receiving radiation therapy to radiology: Transferring stable clients to departments such as radiology is within the scope of assistive personnel, as long as the client does not require specialized monitoring or assessment during the transfer.

D. Record urine output for a client who has a suprapubic catheter: Measuring and documenting urinary output is a routine task that assistive personnel can perform. The catheter type does not affect the ability to carry out this basic observation.

E. Measure vital signs for a client who requires contact precautions: Assistive personnel are trained to take vital signs and follow isolation protocols. Measuring vital signs under contact precautions is appropriate as long as proper PPE and hygiene practices are followed.

Rationale:

A. Oxytocin: Oxytocin is a uterotonic agent used to stimulate or augment labor, not to stop it. In the case of preterm labor at 36 weeks, administering oxytocin would worsen the situation by increasing uterine contractions and promoting delivery, which is not the intended goal.

B. Misoprostol: Misoprostol is typically used to induce labor by softening the cervix and stimulating contractions. It is contraindicated in clients experiencing preterm labor, as it would enhance uterine activity and could lead to premature delivery.

C. Magnesium sulfate: Magnesium sulfate is used in preterm labor to provide neuroprotection to the fetus and may also help reduce uterine contractions. It is especially indicated when labor is expected before 32–34 weeks but may still be prescribed at 36 weeks depending on clinical judgment.

D. Indomethacin: Indomethacin is a tocolytic agent used to suppress preterm labor contractions, but it is generally used before 32 weeks due to the risk of premature closure of the ductus arteriosus. At 36 weeks, the risks may outweigh the benefits, so it is not the first-line option at this gestational age.