The practical nurse (PN) observes unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) bathing a bedfast client with the bed in a high position. Which action should the PN take?

The correct answer is choice D: Provide fluid and electrolyte replacement. Choice A rationale:

Isolating all infectious diarrhea victims is not the highest priority in this situation. While it is essential to prevent the spread of cholera, immediate medical intervention to treat those affected takes precedence.

Choice B rationale:

Administering prophylactic antibiotics as prescribed is not the highest priority because it focuses on prevention rather than treatment. In the case of a cholera outbreak, it is more critical to address the immediate needs of those already diagnosed.

Choice C rationale:

Administering cholera vaccines may be part of a preventive strategy, but it is not the highest priority during an active cholera outbreak. Vaccination takes time to develop immunity, and the focus should be on treating those already affected.

Choice D rationale:

Providing fluid and electrolyte replacement is the highest priority in managing cholera. Cholera is characterized by severe diarrhea and dehydration, which can lead to life-threatening complications. Promptly restoring fluids and electrolytes helps prevent shock and organ failure.

The correct answer is **b. Oral feeding of a two-year-old child after application of a hip spica cast.**

Choice A rationale:

Participation in staff rounds to record notes regarding client goals is not an appropriate task to delegate to a UAP. This task requires clinical assessment, judgment, and documentation skills that are within the scope of practice of a licensed practical nurse (PN), but not a UAP.

Choice B rationale:

Oral feeding of a two-year-old child after application of a hip spica cast is an appropriate task that the PN can delegate to a UAP. Feeding a stable patient is a routine task that does not require advanced nursing skills or clinical judgment. As long as the child is not at high risk for complications, this task can be safely delegated to a UAP with proper training and supervision.

Choice C rationale:

Evaluation of a client's incisional pain following narcotic administration is not an appropriate task to delegate to a UAP. This task requires clinical assessment, evaluation of medication effects, and critical thinking skills that are within the scope of practice of a PN, but not a UAP.

Choice D rationale:

Assessment of the placement and patency of a nasogastric feeding tube is not an appropriate task to delegate to a UAP. This task requires specialized nursing skills and clinical judgment to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the feeding tube. It is within the scope of practice of a PN, but not a UAP.