Question

The nursing staff consists of two registered nurses, two licensed vocational nurses, and a certified nursing assistant. The skills of the nursing assistant are best suited to: A. Feeding a client with Alzheimer's dementia B. Bathing a client with a central line C. Obtaining vital signs on a client with pneumonia D. Collecting the output from a client with preeclampsia

Short answer

Answer: Feeding a client with Alzheimer's dementia is the most suitable task for a certified nursing assistant.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the roles of the nursing staff members

A registered nurse (RN) is a highly skilled, educated nurse who can perform complex tasks, provide direct patient care, and oversee the care provided by other nursing staff members. A licensed vocational nurse (LVN) is also a nurse with education and training, who can provide direct patient care, but under the supervision of a registered nurse. A certified nursing assistant (CNA) is a healthcare professional who provides basic nursing care to patients, typically under the supervision of an RN or LVN.

Evaluate Option A

Option A is Feeding a client with Alzheimer's dementia. Feeding a patient with Alzheimer's dementia requires patience and understanding of the disease. CNAs are trained to provide basic nursing care and assist patients with activities of daily living, which includes feeding. Therefore, this task is suitable for a certified nursing assistant.

Evaluate Option B

Option B is bathing a client with a central line. A central line is a catheter placed in a large vein, and it requires specialized care to prevent infection. This task is more complex and may need the skills of an RN or LVN, as they have more advanced training and experience in handling complex nursing procedures.

Evaluate Option C

Option C is obtaining vital signs on a client with pneumonia. Vital signs are an essential part of monitoring the patient's health. CNAs are trained in obtaining vital signs such as temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure. Obtaining vital signs for a client with pneumonia is within the scope of a certified nursing assistant's responsibilities.

Evaluate Option D

Option D is collecting the output from a client with preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and possibly damage to other organ systems. This condition requires close monitoring, and the collection of output might need specialized knowledge. An RN or LVN might be better suited for this task due to their higher level of education and expertise.

Select the most suitable option

Based on the analysis of each option, the most appropriate task for a certified nursing assistant is: A. Feeding a client with Alzheimer's dementia.

Key concepts

Certified Nursing Assistant Responsibilities

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) play a vital role in the healthcare team by providing basic care to patients. They work closely under the supervision of RNs and LVNs to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for patients. CNAs help patients with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, and eating. These tasks are essential for the dignity and well-being of patients who may need assistance due to illness or age. An example of a responsibility suited to a CNA is feeding a client with Alzheimer's dementia. This requires not only understanding basic care routines but also exhibiting patience and adaptability to the client's needs. Furthermore, CNAs are often responsible for measuring and recording vital signs, like temperature, pulse, and blood pressure. They provide crucial data to the nursing team, which helps in monitoring the patient’s health. Here's a succinct list of key CNA responsibilities:

• Help with personal hygiene and grooming
• Assist with feeding and nutrition intake
• Measure and record vital signs
• Provide emotional support and companionship

CNAs serve as the eyes and ears on the floor, alerting the nursing team to any changes in a patient's condition. This role requires compassion, attention to detail, and strong communication skills with both patients and other healthcare professionals.

Registered Nurse Skills

Registered Nurses (RNs) possess a diverse skill set that enables them to perform complex medical tasks and lead patient care efforts. With advanced education and training, RNs have the expertise to assess, plan, and implement patient care strategies effectively. RNs are responsible for overseeing the nursing team’s activities, which involves supervising CNAs and LVNs. An example of this would be handling tasks such as bathing a patient with a central line. This task requires specialized knowledge and meticulous care to prevent infections. RNs must demonstrate strong analytical skills as they interpret patient data and adjust care plans accordingly. Additionally, registered nurses provide not only physical care but also emotional support to patients and their families. Key skills and duties of a RN include:

• Developing and managing individualized patient care plans
• Administering medication and treatments safely
• Collaborating with doctors and healthcare teams
• Conducting comprehensive assessments and diagnostics

Registered Nurses play a critical role in healthcare, constantly assessing the patient's progress and making informed decisions to optimize care. Their ability to synthesize information and act decisively is fundamental in the dynamic healthcare environment.

Licensed Vocational Nurse Duties

Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs), also known as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in some regions, are essential team members who blend direct patient care with administrative duties under the supervision of RNs. They act as a bridge between CNAs and RNs, providing both bedside care and supporting the overarching nursing plan. An important aspect of an LVN's job is tasks such as collecting output from a client with preeclampsia. This requires a good understanding of the condition and careful monitoring to ensure optimal maternal and fetal health. LVNs are also responsible for more routine but critical tasks, such as wound care, administering injections, and monitoring vital signs. The core duties often encompass:

• Monitoring patients' health by checking vital signs
• Providing routine care and administering basic treatments
• Assisting in patient education and preparation for healthcare procedures
• Documenting patients' health information accurately

LVNs play a crucial role in patient care, using their skills to ensure a high level of care is consistently provided. Their comprehensive training allows them to handle tasks that require both technical and interpersonal abilities, fostering a supportive environment for both patients and the healthcare team.