Author Question: A registered nurse (RN) cares for clients on a surgical unit. Which clients should the RN delegate ... (Read 141 times)

fagboi · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

A registered nurse (RN) cares for clients on a surgical unit. Which clients should the RN delegate to a licensed practical nurse (LPN)? (Select all that apply.)

a. A 32-year-old who had a radical neck dissection 6 hours ago
b. A 43-year-old diagnosed with cancer after a lung biopsy 2 days ago
c. A 55-year-old who needs discharge teaching after a laryngectomy
d. A 67-year-old who is awaiting preoperative teaching for laryngeal cancer
e. An 88-year-old with esophageal cancer who is awaiting gastric tube placement

Question 2

A nurse teaches a client who is being discharged after a fixed centric occlusion for a mandibular fracture. Which statements should the nurse include in this client's teaching? (Select all that apply.)

a. You will need to cut the wires if you start vomiting.
b. Eat six soft or liquid meals each day while recovering.
c. Irrigate your mouth every 2 hours to prevent infection.
d. Sleep in a semi-Fowler's position after the surgery.
e. Gargle with mouthwash that contains Benadryl once a day.

verrinzo · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B, E
The nurse can delegate stable clients to the LPN. The client who had a biopsy 2 days ago and the client who is awaiting gastric tube placement are stable. The client who is 6 hours post-surgery is not yet stable. The RN is the only one who can perform discharge and preoperative teaching; teaching cannot be delegated.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A, B, C, D
The client needs to know how to cut the wires in case of emergency. If the client vomits, he or she may aspirate. The client should also be taught to eat soft or liquid meals multiple times a day, irrigate the mouth with a Waterpik to prevent infection, and sleep in a semi-Fowler's position to assist in avoiding aspiration. Mouthwash with Benadryl is used for clients who have mouth pain after radiation treatment; it is not used to treat pain in a client with a mandibular fracture.