The nurse is to administer eye drops four times per day to a patient diagnosed with conjunctivitis. The nurse should administer the medication by gently dropping the medication onto which of the following areas?

Choice A reason: Assuming the LPN should know tracheostomy suctioning from theory dismisses the need for practical experience. Performing procedures safely requires supervised practice, as inexperience risks airway trauma or infection. This response neglects patient safety and professional mentorship, per nursing delegation standards.

Choice B reason: Asking another nurse for help is insufficient, as it does not ensure proper supervision or competency. The RN is responsible for ensuring the LPN’s ability to perform safely. This approach risks inconsistent training and patient harm, lacking structured guidance, per delegation and patient safety protocols.

Choice C reason: Reviewing the manual alone is inadequate for a hands-on procedure like tracheostomy suctioning, which requires supervised practice to ensure competence. Inexperience may lead to errors, such as hypoxia or infection. This response fails to provide direct oversight, per nursing competency and patient safety guidelines.

Choice D reason: Assisting the LPN in performing tracheostomy suctioning ensures patient safety and builds competency. The RN provides direct supervision, preventing errors like airway obstruction or infection, while mentoring the LPN. This aligns with delegation principles, ensuring effective care and professional development, per nursing practice standards.

Choice A reason: Assisting to the bedside commode is impractical if the patient cannot hold the enema, as it risks spillage and discomfort. Enemas stimulate bowel evacuation by distending the colon, triggering peristalsis. Administering in a commode for an elderly patient with retention concerns increases fall risk and is not the priority action.

Choice B reason: Inserting a rectal plug is not standard practice and risks discomfort or injury in an elderly patient. Enemas work by stimulating peristalsis via fluid volume, requiring retention for efficacy. A plug is not a recognized medical device for this purpose, making positioning on a bedpan the safer, more practical priority.

Choice C reason: Right-lying Sims’ position aids enema administration but does not address the patient’s inability to retain fluid. The position facilitates fluid flow but is secondary to ensuring containment. Elderly patients have weaker sphincter control, making dorsal recumbent on a bedpan the priority to manage potential leakage and maintain dignity.

Choice D reason: Positioning in dorsal recumbent on a bedpan is the priority, as it allows enema administration while containing potential leakage in an elderly patient with retention concerns. This position supports sphincter relaxation and fluid delivery while minimizing mess, ensuring comfort and dignity. It addresses the patient’s concern effectively, aligning with safe practice.