Nursing Prioritization Delegation Assignment Q 41
The ambulance has transported a man with severe chest pain. As the man is being transferred to the emergency stretcher, the nurse assessed the following: unresponsiveness, cessation of breathing, and absence of palpable pulse. Which of the following tasks is proper to assign to the nursing assistant?
A. Aiding with oral intubation
B. Performing chest compressions
C. Placing the defibrillator pads
D. Starting bag valve mask ventilation
Correct Answer: B. Performing chest compressions
Basic cardiac life support is learned by nursing assistants so they can perform chest compressions. Certified nursing assistants deal directly with the patients so they must be cardiopulmonary resuscitation certified. It is the nursing assistant who witnesses the victims of cardiac arrests and becomes an immediate responder. A trained certified assistant can easily cater the instantaneous needs of the patient.
Option A: The nurse or the respiratory therapist should provide assistance as needed during intubation. Assisting with tracheal intubation is an aspect of clinical practice that requires knowledge and skill if the procedure is to be carried out in a timely and safe manner.
Option C: The defibrillator pads are accurately labeled; nevertheless, the responsibility of placing them should be done by the RN or physician because of the potential for skin damage and electrical arcing.
Option D: The use of the bag valve mask demands practice, and normally, a respiratory therapist will implement this measure. If bag-valve-mask ventilation is used for a prolonged period of time or if improperly performed, air may be introduced into the stomach. If this occurs and gastric distention is noted, a nasogastric tube should be inserted to evacuate the accumulated air in the stomach.