Which three nursing interventions can be used to prevent the spread of infection?

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: RN’s workload

While the RN’s workload can influence the decision to delegate tasks, it is not the primary factor. The RN must ensure that the tasks delegated are within the LPN/VN’s scope of practice and that patient safety is not compromised. The workload of the RN is a consideration but not a determining factor.

Choice B: Skill and experience of the LPN/VN

This is a correct answer. The skill and experience of the LPN/VN are crucial in determining what tasks can be safely delegated. An LPN/VN with more experience and higher skill levels can handle more complex tasks. The RN must assess the competency of the LPN/VN to ensure that they can perform the delegated tasks safely and effectively.

Choice C: Agency policies

Agency policies are important as they provide guidelines on what tasks can be delegated and to whom. However, they are not the sole factor in the decision-making process. The RN must also consider the specific circumstances of the patient and the competencies of the LPN/VN.

Choice D: Stability of the patients

This is another correct answer. The stability of the patients is a critical factor in delegation decisions. Stable patients with predictable outcomes are more suitable for care by an LPN/VN. Unstable patients or those with complex needs require the higher level of assessment and intervention that an RN provides.

Choice E: LPN/VN teaching abilities

While teaching abilities are important, they are not the primary consideration for delegation. The focus is on the LPN/VN’s ability to perform the delegated tasks safely and effectively. Teaching abilities may come into play in specific situations but are not a determining factor in most delegation decisions.