Which term would the nurse use when extracellular fluid and intracellular fluid have the same osmolality?

Choice A: Show the caregiver how to check the patient’s temperature and blood pressure
Showing the caregiver how to check the patient’s temperature and blood pressure involves direct patient education and demonstration, which requires the clinical judgment and expertise of a licensed nurse. This task ensures that the caregiver understands the correct techniques and can accurately monitor the patient’s vital signs. Delegating this task to assistive personnel (AP) is not appropriate because it requires a higher level of skill and knowledge to teach and verify understanding.
Choice B: Give the patient a pamphlet that reinforces teaching done by the nurse
Giving the patient a pamphlet that reinforces teaching done by the nurse is a task that can be delegated to assistive personnel (AP). This action does not require clinical judgment or advanced skills. The pamphlet serves as a supplementary resource to the verbal and hands-on education provided by the nurse. It is a straightforward task that AP can perform, ensuring that the patient has access to written information that reinforces the nurse’s teaching.
Choice C: Evaluate whether the patient and caregiver understand the teaching
Evaluating whether the patient and caregiver understand the teaching is a critical component of the discharge process that requires the clinical judgment of a licensed nurse. This task involves assessing the patient’s and caregiver’s comprehension, identifying any gaps in understanding, and providing additional education as needed. It is not appropriate to delegate this responsibility to assistive personnel (AP) because it requires professional assessment skills.
Choice D: Plan topics for the discharge teaching session with the patient and caregiver
Planning topics for the discharge teaching session with the patient and caregiver involves developing a comprehensive and individualized teaching plan based on the patient’s specific needs and condition. This task requires the expertise and clinical judgment of a licensed nurse to ensure that all relevant topics are covered and that the teaching plan is tailored to the patient’s situation. Delegating this task to assistive personnel (AP) is not appropriate because it requires advanced planning and professional knowledge.

Choice A: Properly cleaning all reusable equipment once each day

While cleaning reusable equipment is important, it should be done after each use, not just once a day. This ensures that any potential pathogens are removed before the equipment is used on another patient, thereby preventing cross-contamination.

Choice B: Appropriately using PPE

This is a correct answer. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, gowns, and eye protection are essential in preventing the spread of infection. Proper use of PPE helps protect both healthcare workers and patients from exposure to infectious agents.

Choice C: Ensuring all environmental surfaces are properly cleaned, disinfected, and maintained

This is another correct answer. Regular cleaning and disinfection of environmental surfaces, such as bed rails, doorknobs, and medical equipment, are crucial in preventing the spread of infections. Maintaining a clean environment reduces the risk of healthcare-associated infections.

Choice D: Avoiding all invasive interventions

Avoiding invasive interventions is not a practical or realistic approach to preventing infections. While minimizing unnecessary invasive procedures can reduce infection risk, many invasive interventions are necessary for patient care. Instead, proper aseptic techniques should be used during these procedures to prevent infections.

Choice E: Performing hand washing or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer before and after patient contact or procedures

This is also a correct answer. Hand hygiene is one of the most effective measures to prevent the spread of infections. Washing hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer before and after patient contact or procedures significantly reduces the transmission of pathogens.