The practical nurse (PN) is feeding a 2-month-old male infant with heart failure due to a ventricular septal defect (VSD). Which intervention should the PN implement?

Heart rate of 90 beats per minute with premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) noted on telemetry: This finding indicates an abnormality in the heart's electrical conduction system. PVCs are extra, abnormal heartbeats that originate in the ventricles. They can sometimes be benign, but they can also be associated with underlying heart conditions or electrolyte imbalances. Since the client is experiencing dizziness and tingling, which could be related to cardiac function, it is important to report this finding to the healthcare provider for further evaluation and appropriate management.

Incorrect:

A. Regular heart rate of 100 beats per minute on telemetry: This finding describes a heart rate within the normal range (60-100 beats per minute for adults). It does not indicate any immediate concerns or abnormalities that would require reporting to the healthcare provider in this context.
B. Hypoactive bowel sounds on assessment: Following a small bowel resection, it is common for bowel sounds to be temporarily reduced or absent due to the surgical manipulation and the bowel's response to anesthesia. Hypoactive bowel sounds alone do not directly relate to the client's reported symptoms of dizziness and tingling in digits, nor do they suggest an immediate need for reporting to the healthcare provider.
D. Hyperactive bowel sounds on assessment: Hyperactive bowel sounds, characterized by increased loudness and frequency, can occur due to conditions such as gastroenteritis or bowel obstruction. However, in the context of a client who has undergone a small bowel resection and is on NPO status, hyperactive bowel sounds would not be expected and may indicate a potential complication. While it is important to monitor and document this finding, it is not directly related to the client's reported symptoms and does not require immediate reporting to the healthcare provider in this scenario.

This question is related to the responsibilities and scope of practice of a practical nurse (PN) and a medication aide. A medication aide is a certified nursing assistant (CNA) who is responsible for administering daily medication to patients under the supervision of a licensed nurse, such as a PN or a registered nurse (RN). A PN is a licensed nurse who can provide routine care, observe patients’ health, assist doctors and RNs, and communicate instructions to patients regarding medication, home-based care, and preventative lifestyle changes.

Based on this information, the best action that the PN should take in this situation is c. Assign the remainder of medication administration to another PN who is performing treatments. This is because it would ensure that the medication administration is completed by another licensed nurse who has the knowledge, skills, and authority to do so. The PN who is performing treatments may have some spare time or be able to rearrange their schedule to accommodate the additional task. The PN should also communicate with the other PN and the medication aide about the situation and document the change of assignment in the patients’ records.

Option a is not a good choice, because it would be unfair and unethical to deny the medication aide’s request to leave if they are sick. The medication aide’s health and well-being are also important, and forcing them to stay and work could compromise their safety and the quality of care they provide to the patients.

Option b is not a good choice, because it would be outside the scope of practice of the UAPs to give medications to the patients. UAPs are not trained or certified to administer medications, and doing so could pose serious risks to the patients’ health and safety. The PN would also be liable for any errors or adverse outcomes that may result from the UAPs’ actions.

Option d is not a good choice, because it would not solve the problem of the medication administration being incomplete. Documenting why the medications were not given is important, but it is not enough to ensure that the patients receive their prescribed drugs and treatments. The PN still has the responsibility to find a way to complete the medication administration or delegate it to another qualified and available person.