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Scope of Practice

Which of the following tasks is carried out by the nurse aide?

From Documentation Questions and Answers

Answer choices

  1. A Assigning care of clients to other nurse aides
  2. B Preparing care plans
  3. C Drawing blood for laboratory tests
  4. D Taking temperature, pulse, and respiration

Correct answer: D. Taking temperature, pulse, and respiration

Clinical Rationale

Taking temperature, pulse, and respiration is a task carried out by the nurse aide.

Nurse aides are trained to perform basic clinical tasks, including monitoring vital signs such as temperature, pulse, and respiration. These tasks are essential for assessing patients' health and ensuring their well-being in various healthcare settings.

A) Assigning care of clients to other nurse aides

This responsibility typically falls on registered nurses or nurse supervisors rather than nurse aides. While nurse aides may collaborate with other staff, the formal assignment of client care is not within their scope of practice, as it requires more advanced clinical judgment and oversight.

B) Preparing care plans

Care plan preparation is a complex task that involves assessing patients' needs and developing comprehensive strategies for their care. This function is generally reserved for registered nurses or licensed practical nurses who have the training and authority to create and modify care plans based on clinical assessments.

C) Drawing blood for laboratory tests

Blood drawing is a specialized skill that requires specific training and certification, typically performed by phlebotomists or registered nurses. Nurse aides are not authorized to perform this task as it involves invasive procedures and requires a higher level of medical knowledge and technical skill.

D) Taking temperature, pulse, and respiration

Nurse aides are fully trained to take vital signs, which is a fundamental aspect of their role in patient care. Monitoring these signs is crucial for detecting any changes in a patient's condition and providing timely information to the nursing staff for further evaluation.

Conclusion

Nurse aides play a vital role in the healthcare team, focusing on essential tasks that support patient care. Among the choices provided, taking vital signs is the only task that falls within their responsibilities, highlighting their contribution to patient monitoring and basic care. Other tasks, such as care planning, assigning duties, and drawing blood, require higher qualifications and are not performed by nurse aides.

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