Which nursing actions could the nurse delegate to a licensed ...

[ahriuashd]

Which nursing actions could the nurse delegate to a licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN) who is part of the team caring for a patient with Alzheimer's disease (select all that apply)?
 
  a. Develop a plan to minimize difficult behavior.
  b. Administer the prescribed memantine (Namenda).
  c. Remove potential safety hazards from the patient's environment.
  d. Refer the patient and caregivers to appropriate community resources.
  e. Help the patient and caregivers choose memory enhancement methods.
  f. Evaluate the effectiveness of the prescribed enteral feedings on patient nutrition.

Question 2

The spouse of a 67-year-old male patient with early stage Alzheimer's disease (AD) tells the nurse, I am exhausted from worrying all the time. I don't know what to do. Which actions are best for the nurse to take next (select all that apply)?
 
  a. Suggest that a long-term care facility be considered.
  b. Offer ideas for ways to distract or redirect the patient.
  c. Teach the spouse about adult day care as a possible respite.
  d. Suggest that the spouse consult with the physician for antianxiety drugs.
  e. Ask the spouse what she knows and has considered about dementia care options.

[Edwyer]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B, C
LPN/LVN education and scope of practice includes medication administration and monitoring for environmental safety in stable patients. Planning of interventions such as ways to manage behavior or improve memory, referrals, and evaluation of the effectiveness of interventions require registered nurse (RN)level education and scope of practice.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B, C, E
The stress of being a caregiver can be managed with a multicomponent approach. This includes respite care, learning ways to manage challenging behaviors, and further assessment of what the spouse may already have considered for care options. The patient is in the early stages and does not need long-term placement. Antianxiety medications may be appropriate, but other measures should be tried first.

[ahriuashd]

Thank you

[Edwyer]

No problemo