Answer choices
- A Update a client's family on the client's condition
- B Get the vital signs from a client who feels ill
- C Work with a client on swallowing exercises immediately after a stroke
- D Remove from a client an indwelling urinary catheter that is leaking
Correct answer: B. Get the vital signs from a client who feels ill
Clinical Rationale
Get the vital signs from a client who feels ill.
Measuring vital signs is a fundamental task that can be delegated to nurse aides, as it falls within their scope of practice and supports the nursing team in monitoring patient health. This task does not require advanced nursing judgment and can provide essential information for ongoing care.
A) Update a client's family on the client's condition
Updating a client's family involves interpreting medical information and communicating it effectively, which requires clinical judgment and knowledge of the client's medical status. This task is typically reserved for licensed nurses, as it may involve sensitive information and necessitates a deeper understanding of the patient's situation.
C) Work with a client on swallowing exercises immediately after a stroke
Conducting swallowing exercises post-stroke requires specialized training and assessment skills to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the intervention. This task is typically performed by a licensed nurse or a speech therapist, as improper execution could pose a significant risk to the client's health.
D) Remove from a client an indwelling urinary catheter that is leaking
Removing an indwelling urinary catheter involves understanding the patient's condition and potential complications, making it a task that should be performed by a licensed nurse. The procedure requires knowledge of sterile technique and assessment of urinary output, which exceeds the scope of practice for nurse aides.
Conclusion
In nursing care, the delegation of tasks is crucial for efficiency and patient safety. Among the options provided, obtaining vital signs is an appropriate task for nurse aides, as it fits their training and responsibilities. Conversely, the other choices involve higher levels of assessment, judgment, or technical skill, which are reserved for licensed nursing professionals. Understanding the scope of practice for nurse aides ensures that patient care is both effective and compliant with healthcare standards.