The nurse is sitting at the desk watching the telemetry monitors and notes a patient's rhythm suddenly shows asystole. Which action should the nurse take first?

(A) "A heating pad will be used on the operative site to help reduce pain.":
Using a heating pad on the operative site is generally not recommended post-surgery, as it can increase bleeding and swelling. Cold therapy is usually preferred to help reduce pain and inflammation.

(B) "You will use a continuous passive motion (CPM) machine several times a day.":
Continuous passive motion machines are typically used after knee replacement surgeries, not hip replacement surgeries. Therefore, this statement would not be accurate for a total hip replacement.

(C) "Expect to remain in bed for at least the first 24 hours.":
Early mobilization is crucial after hip replacement surgery to prevent complications such as deep vein thrombosis and to promote recovery. Patients are usually encouraged to get out of bed and start moving with assistance as soon as possible, often within the first 24 hours.

(D) "You will use a special soap to shower with the evening before your surgery.":
Using a special antiseptic soap before surgery is a common preoperative instruction to help reduce the risk of infection. This statement is correct and should be included in the preoperative teaching.

A. Helping the client into the shower: This task can be safely delegated to an assistive personnel (AP). The AP can help the client with activities of daily living such as showering, as long as the client is stable and does not require close monitoring.

B. Ambulating the client in the hallway: This task can also be delegated to an AP. Assisting with ambulation is within the scope of practice for an AP, provided the client is stable and there are no specific concerns that require a nurse’s assessment.

C. Measuring vital signs: While measuring vital signs is a critical task, it can be delegated to an AP. The AP can be trained to accurately measure and report vital signs. However, the nurse should review and interpret the results.

D. Removing the sternal dressing: This is the correct answer. Removing a sternal dressing after cardiac surgery is a complex task that requires a nurse’s expertise2. The nurse needs to assess the surgical site for signs of infection or complications, which is beyond the scope of practice for an AP. Therefore, this task should not be delegated and should be performed by the nurse herself