Nursing Prioritization Delegation Assignment Q 45
The newly hired nurse is assigned by the charge nurse to care for a client with acute renal failure and hypernatremia. Which action can the nurse assign to the nursing assistant? Select all that apply.
A. Administer 0.45% saline by IV line
B. Assess daily weights for trends
C. Check for indications of dehydration
D. Render oral care every 3 to 4 hours
Correct Answer: D. Render oral care every 3 to 4 hours
The nursing assistant can provide oral care to the client. This is within the scope of practice of nursing assistants. The scope of practice for a CNA includes tasks such as basic daily patient care. This includes activities such as bathing, eating and dressing, but also smaller things such as grooming.
Option A: Appropriate delegation allows for responsibility transition in a consistent, safe manner. The RN transfers the performance of a procedure, skill, or activity to a CNA. However, the practice of pervasive functions of critical decisions, nursing judgment, and clinical reasoning cannot be delegated.
Option B: RNs cannot delegate any activity including the nursing judgment that involves critical decision making. When specific aspects of nurse care need to be delegated beyond the traditional assignments and roles of care providers, the delegation process and state NPA or nurse practice act must be understood clearly so that it is effectively and safely carried out.
Option C: Monitoring clients demand the additional education and skills of the RN. A CNA’s main role is to provide patients with basic care and assist them in their everyday activities, particularly when patients have a hard time doing a few activities on their own, such as bathing.