Question

The nurse is preparing assignments and tasks for the shifts. Which task should be assigned to the nurse's assistant? A. Teaching home care to the client with a fractured hip B. Counseling a client with a below-the-knee amputation C. Feeding a client with a fractured arm D. Monitoring a client with newly diagnosed osteomyelitis

Short answer

A. Teaching home care to the client with a fractured hip B. Counseling a client with a below-the-knee amputation C. Feeding a client with a fractured arm D. Monitoring a client with newly diagnosed osteomyelitis Answer: C. Feeding a client with a fractured arm

Step-by-step solution

Option A: Teaching home care to the client with a fractured hip

This task requires a high level of knowledge about specific care techniques and how to safely manage a client with a fractured hip. This might be too complex for a nurse's assistant and should be assigned to a registered nurse.

Option B: Counseling a client with a below-the-knee amputation

Counseling involves providing emotional support and guidance to clients, which requires advanced communication skills and a deep understanding of the client's condition. This task is better suited for a registered nurse or a therapist who specializes in working with clients who have suffered amputations.

Option C: Feeding a client with a fractured arm

A nurse's assistant could perform this task, as it is within their scope of practice. Feeding a client with a fractured arm requires minimal specialized knowledge and mainly involves providing assistance with basic activities of daily living.

Option D: Monitoring a client with newly diagnosed osteomyelitis

This task demands a good understanding of the disease, its complications, and how to properly monitor a client's condition, which is better suited for a registered nurse.

Conclusion

The most appropriate task for a nurse's assistant to carry out among the given options is option C: Feeding a client with a fractured arm. This task falls within the scope of practice for a nurse's assistant and does not require advanced knowledge or skills.

Key concepts

Nurse's Assistant Responsibilities

Nurse's Assistants play a vital role in the healthcare team by executing tasks that support both clients and medical staff. They are primarily responsible for assisting clients with activities of daily living. These tasks typically include helping clients with:

• Bathing and personal hygiene
• Dressing and grooming
• Feeding and hydration
• Transferring and mobility
• Observing and reporting changes in client conditions

By attending to these needs, Nurse's Assistants ensure that clients maintain a good quality of life. This supportive role is essential in helping nurse and medical staff focus on more complex clinical tasks. It is important that Nurse's Assistants understand the limits of their responsibilities to ensure safe and efficient client care.

Scope of Practice

The scope of practice defines the procedures, actions, and processes that a healthcare professional is permitted to undertake based on their qualifications and training. For a Nurse's Assistant, this scope is generally limited to basic care tasks under the supervision of a registered nurse. These tasks often focus on non-invasive procedures and do not require extensive clinical judgment. Understanding their scope of practice is crucial for Nurse's Assistants to perform their duties correctly and legally. They need to know when to provide care and when to seek help from more qualified healthcare staff. Always adhering to their defined scope ensures that the care provided to clients is safe, legal, and effective.

Client Care Tasks

Client care tasks refer to the specific responsibilities that healthcare team members perform to meet the physical and emotional needs of clients. For Nurse's Assistants, these tasks are foundational to supporting client welfare and recovery. Tasks such as feeding, for example, not only provide necessary nutrition but also include engagement with clients, which can be beneficial for their emotional well-being. It's important for Nurse's Assistants to recognize the dual impact of these tasks—addressing both physical needs and emotional support simultaneously. Even routine tasks, like positioning or hygienic care, play a significant role in maintaining health and dignity for clients, especially those with limited mobility or complex health conditions.

Nursing Education

Nursing education is the backbone of a competent healthcare workforce. For Nurse's Assistants, initial training often involves classroom instruction and hands-on practice in basic patient care techniques. In many regions, achieving certification as a Nurse's Assistant requires a combination of classroom learning and supervised clinical experience. Continuing education is also a key component in nursing education for staying updated with best practices and emerging healthcare trends. This ongoing learning helps Nurse's Assistants provide high-quality care and adapt to changes in healthcare environments. Education empowers Nurse's Assistants to grow in their roles and potentially pursue advanced nursing positions if they desire.