The practical nurse (PN) is assessing an older client with left-sided heart failure (HF). What intervention is most important for the PN to implement?

Choice A rationale:

Leaving the client alone to give them space is not an appropriate intervention for a client with depression and a history of suicide attempts. Isolation can increase feelings of hopelessness and despair, potentially leading to self-harm or suicidal thoughts.

Choice B rationale:

Removing any potential means of self-harm from the client's environment is the most essential intervention in this scenario. It is crucial to ensure the client's safety by eliminating access to items or substances that could be used for self-harm, such as medications, sharp objects, or other dangerous items. This intervention helps reduce the immediate risk of harm.

Choice C rationale:

Encouraging the client to confront their feelings of hopelessness is important in the long term, as it can be part of therapeutic interventions. However, it should not be the immediate priority when the client is at risk of self-harm. Ensuring their safety is paramount.

Choice D rationale:

Telling the client that they should be grateful for what they have is not an appropriate intervention. It can be perceived as dismissive of their feelings and may worsen their sense of hopelessness and isolation.

When the practical nurse (PN) notices that one of the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) consistently records subnormal temperatures when using the thermometer, the first action the PN should take is to observe how the UAP obtains temperatures. This allows the PN to directly assess the UAP's technique and determine if any errors or inaccuracies are occurring during temperature measurement. By observing the process, the PN can identify any potential issues, such as incorrect placement of the thermometer or improper technique, and provide appropriate guidance and education.
Let's evaluate the other options:

a) Show the UAP how to chart temperatures.
While accurate charting of temperatures is important, it is not the primary concern in this situation. The PN should first focus on assessing the UAP's temperature measurement technique before addressing charting skills.

b) Return the thermometer for recalibration.
Returning the thermometer for recalibration may be necessary if there is evidence or suspicion of a malfunctioning thermometer. However, before assuming that the thermometer is the issue, it is important to first observe how the UAP obtains temperatures to rule out any human error in the measurement process.

d) Demonstrate how to use the equipment.
Demonstrating how to use the equipment may be beneficial, but it should not be the first action taken in this scenario. The PN should first observe the UAP's technique to identify any potential errors or issues in temperature measurement. Based on the observation, the PN can provide specific guidance and demonstrate the correct technique if necessary.

In summary, when a practical nurse (PN) notices that a UAP consistently records subnormal temperatures when using the thermometer, the first action the PN should take is to observe how the UAP obtains temperatures. This allows for direct assessment of the UAP's technique and identification of any potential errors or issues. Based on the observation, the PN can provide appropriate guidance, education, and intervention as needed to ensure accurate temperature measurement.