Question

The nurse is assigning task for a client with acute pancreatitis. Which would be assigned to the nurse's assistant? A. Monitor NG drainage for color, character, and amount B. Provide oral hygiene every two hours C. Administer pain medication as appropriate D. Teach the client to assume the fetal position to help decrease her pain

Short answer

A) Monitor NG drainage B) Provide oral hygiene every two hours C) Administer pain medication D) Teach the client to assume the fetal position Answer: B) Provide oral hygiene every two hours

Step-by-step solution

Understand the roles and responsibilities of a nurse's assistant

A nurse's assistant, also known as a nursing aide, has specific responsibilities in a healthcare setting. They are generally responsible for providing basic care to patients under the supervision of registered nurses and are not authorized to perform complex medical procedures or provide medical advice. Keeping this in mind, let's analyze each option.

Option A: Monitor NG drainage

Monitoring nasogastric (NG) drainage involves checking the color, character, and amount of drainage. This is an assessment and requires more clinical knowledge which is typically outside the scope of a nurse's assistant.

Option B: Provide oral hygiene every two hours

Providing oral hygiene is a basic care task, which is within the responsibilities of a nurse's assistant. They are trained to assist with maintaining patients' hygiene and comfort during their stay at the healthcare facility.

Option C: Administer pain medication

Administering medication is a responsibility that falls within the scope of a registered nurse or other licensed healthcare professionals. A nurse's assistant is not authorized to administer medications, as they do not have the necessary licensure or training.

Option D: Teach the client to assume the fetal position

Teaching clients is an educational task typically done by registered nurses or other healthcare providers who have sufficient knowledge about medical conditions and their management. A nurse's assistant is not expected to teach clients about medical issues or management strategies.

Choose the correct option

Considering the roles and responsibilities of a nurse's assistant, the correct option is B. Provide oral hygiene every two hours, as it falls within the scope of their job and is aimed at maintaining the patients' comfort and wellbeing.

Key concepts

Nurse's Assistant Duties

The role of a nurse's assistant, often referred to as a nursing aide, is a critical component in any healthcare team, particularly in the context of caring for patients with acute conditions such as pancreatitis.

Key responsibilities of a nurse's assistant include assisting with basic patient care such as bathing, dressing, and grooming. They help with toileting and incontinence care, and are often responsible for ambulation assistance and transferring patients. Moreover, they play a crucial role in providing comfort to patients by maintaining their hygiene, which includes providing oral hygiene every two hours, as highlighted in the exercise. It's a task that supports the patient's comfort, can prevent complications like infections, and is well within the nursing aide's scope of practice.

How Nurse's Assistants Support Clinical Staff

Nurse's assistants also work tirelessly to support registered nurses and other healthcare staff by taking vital signs, making beds, and ensuring patient rooms are organized and stocked with necessary supplies. Their presence ensures that the nursing staff can focus on more complex tasks, including medical assessments and administering medication.

Acute Pancreatitis Patient Care

Acute pancreatitis is a condition that requires comprehensive medical attention, including monitoring of symptoms, pain management, and nutritional support. When caring for a patient with acute pancreatitis, it is important to implement strategies that aim to relieve pain and prevent complications.

Comfort Measures for Pancreatitis

Patient comfort is paramount, and interventions can include positioning techniques, with the fetal position often being recommended to relieve abdominal pressure and pain. While such advice should come from a registered nurse or physician, a nurse's assistant can help a patient maneuver into this position safely once it has been taught. Other care aspects focus on oral hygiene and avoiding oral intake initially to rest the pancreas—all part of efforts to manage the patient's symptoms and support their recovery.

Regular assessment of the patient's condition, a task reserved for the nursing team, is crucial in responding to changes in their status and administering medication, which again underscores the collaborative nature of acute pancreatitis care.

Delegating Healthcare Tasks

In the healthcare setting, delegation is a daily practice that ensures tasks are completed efficiently and safely while making sure that every team member works within their scope of practice. Delegating tasks to a nurse's assistant involves clear communication of what is expected, and understanding the training and limitations of the assistant's role.

Effective Task Delegation

For example, while a nurse's assistant can provide routine oral care, they cannot monitor NG drainage or administer medications. Delegating the task of providing oral hygiene to a nurse's assistant, as in the exercise, is appropriate and enhances the efficiency of the care team. It’s essential that registered nurses understand these limitations to delegate effectively and legally.

Ultimately, effective delegation in nursing aims to optimize care quality, manage time and resources efficiently, and ensure patient safety. It is a skill that nurses refine throughout their careers, built upon the foundation of trust, professional judgment, and an understanding of their colleagues' competencies.